Ease the Parent Panic: Ways to Make Your Summer Schedule Work for You and Your Family

Schools out - let the parent panic begin!
Well.... hopefully not!

With summer in full swing, a familiar wave of panic sets in for many parents. The thought of kids being home all summer can be overwhelming. How will you keep them occupied? How will you balance work and household responsibilities?

Relax. With a bit of planning and the right approach, summer can be a fantastic time for the whole family. Below, you'll find my top 5 tips to best support parents during this long break and if you want more details, you can access the Summer is a Breeze webinar here.

Top 5 Tips:

1. The “Parent Schedule” Comes First!

Your schedule as a parent is the foundation upon which you can build your summer plan. Start by considering your work commitments, planned vacations, and household chores. Once you have a clear picture of your priorities, you can begin to figure out how to incorporate activities for your children.

**Things to Consider:**
Work Schedule: Identify your working hours and any flexibility you might have. Are there days you can work from home? Can you adjust your hours slightly to accommodate family time?
Vacation Time: Plan your vacation strategically. It can be a mix of small trips and staycations to keep things exciting.
Household Responsibilities: List out chores and maintenance tasks that need attention. Involving kids in these tasks can be beneficial for everyone.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What do I need to accomplish each day?
- What’s my bandwidth for extra activities?
- How can I balance my needs with those of my children?

Remember, this schedule isn’t set in stone. You can always readjust as needed. Come fall, things will change again, so embrace the flexibility that summer offers.

2. Set Up a Summer Routine with a Large Visible Calendar

A routine provides a sense of structure and predictability, which is especially helpful during the big transition from school to summer break. However, having too rigid of a schedule can feel restrictive, so aim for a flexible routine that balances structure with spontaneity.

**Benefits of a Routine:**
Reduced Anxiety: Predictability can ease the anxiety that comes with the end of the school year and the start of summer. Generally speaking, children feel secure when they know what to expect.
Encourages Responsibility: Kids can take ownership of parts of the routine, such as setting the table or watering plants.

**How to Implement:**
Use a Large Visible Calendar: A visual calendar can help everyone stay on track. Plus, it helps eliminate the constant question "What are we doing tomorrow?".
Include Regular Activities: Meals, quiet time, outdoor play, and bedtime can form the backbone of your routine.
Allow for Flexibility: Leave room for impromptu trips to the park or spontaneous craft projects. Summer is about enjoyment and creating memories, not adhering to a strict timetable.

3. Get More Help Around the House

Summer is a great time to instill life-long skills in your children by involving them in household chores. This not only lightens your load but also teaches kids responsibility and teamwork.

**Strategies to Involve Kids:**
Family "Team" Mentality: Emphasize that everyone’s contributions are important.
Clarity on Roles: Assign age-appropriate tasks. For example, older kids can help with meal prep while younger ones can assist with simple chores like tidying up toys and making their bed (even if it's not to your standard!)
Must Do’s Before Can Do’s: Establish that chores come before leisure activities. This teaches prioritization and discipline, which is an integral part of what we as parents need to support our children with, especially because, we are not just parents - we are also substitute frontal lobes for them! 

**Some Examples of Chores (age dependent of course:**
- Setting the table
- Watering plants
- Helping with grocery shopping
- Preparing simple meals
- Tidying their rooms
- Walking/caring for the dog
- Fold and put away laundry

Involving kids in household tasks can make them feel valued and part of the team, which fosters a sense of responsibility and cooperation. It's not always well received, but that's to be expected. Trust me, these small acts of responsibility go a long way.

4. Encourage Self-Directed Free Time

While it’s essential to have a routine, it’s equally important to let kids have control over their free time. This encourages independence and creativity. Let them be kids!

**How to Encourage Self-Directed Free Time:**
Brainstorm Options: Co-create a list of activities they can choose from, such as reading, drawing, building with blocks, or playing outside.
Screen Time Balance: Allow for screen time but set limits. Let them know it’s one of many options available.
- **Emphasize Creativity: Boredom isn’t necessarily bad; it can spark creativity and problem-solving. So when your kiddos say "I'm bored", you can simply say "Great! Be bored or be creative! I know you'll find something to do." And then hint to the options you brainstormed together!

**Another way to address “I’m Bored”:**
Response: “Only boring kids are bored, and you’re not boring!” And again, suggest they look at the list of activities you've co-created together.
Activity Jar: Fill a jar with activity ideas. When boredom strikes, they can pick one and try it out.

Encouraging kids to take charge of their free time helps them develop decision-making skills and fosters a sense of independence.

5. Quality Connection Time Can Be Simple, Memorable and Most Importantly Necessary!

You don’t need elaborate plans to create memorable summer moments. Simple activities can often be the most meaningful and enjoyable. Truly, all kids want to do is spend time with us!

**Ideas for Simple Quality Time:**
Outdoor Adventures: Go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or explore local nature trails.
Creative Projects: Do crafts, bake together, do a puzzle, or start a small garden.
Game Nights: Board games, card games, or even a family movie night can be great ways to bond.
Child-Led-Activities: Let your child choose something to do with you!

**Benefits:**
Strengthened Bonds: Spending quality time together enhances family relationships.
Lasting Memories: Simple activities often leave the most lasting impressions.
Stress-Free: Keeping it simple reduces the pressure and stress of planning elaborate outings.

Truly, summer break is a unique opportunity to reassess what’s most important for you and your family. Whether it’s dedicating time to bond with your children or carving out moments for self-care, find what works best for your family dynamic. Remember, it’s just two months. You can reassess and readjust come fall.

Summer doesn’t have to be a time of stress and chaos. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, you can create a summer that works for everyone in your family. Prioritize your needs, establish a flexible routine, involve your kids in household tasks, encourage self-directed free time, and focus on creating simple, memorable moments. By doing so, you’ll not only survive the summer but truly enjoy it, making it a special time for you and your family.

Enjoy!
With warmth and care,
Natalie