Summer Plans with Kids: Make it Easy and Happy This Year!

Peace at Home June 7, 2017 | admin

You know the song, “Summertime and the living is easy…” It sounds so inviting but that isn’t actually what I hear from parents. We envision relaxed time, more family connection and more fun. In reality, parents say there are lots of conflicts about screen time, hassling kids to read more, maybe play outside more and in the end feeling like you somehow missed out on what seemed in June to be a wonderful opportunity.

Ironically all that “freedom” can be confusing and even stressful. Working parents feel there isn’t enough time and at home parents feel overwhelmed with possibilities. This summer consider a new approach – make a big, positive PLAN with your family.

Start by scheduling a few family meetings right now – choose times everyone can be there. If you are a single parent with one child, make a schedule of those meetings anyway. A schedule emphasizes the importance of the process of planning. And all families may want to include other regular and close family supports like grandparents or childcare providers in the process.

Before the meeting talk with your partner or other adults participating and think about what you need to get done this summer and be sure those obligations are included in all planning.

Some steps to help the planning process:

  • Invite each member of the family to describe what they really want to happen over the summer – especially any particular trips, adventures or activities. Let kids know in advance that you will be asking this question. Invite younger kids to draw pictures of what they are dreaming about for summer. At the meeting make a list of everyone’s wishes. Put check marks on those that are repeated by more than one member.
  • Discuss daily routines and how they might be the same or change once school is out. These might include family play time, screen time, reading time, other activities.
  • Together create a big calendar that indicates special events and activities, camp time, etc. Be sure to include rain dates for outdoor events. Post the calendar and revise it as time goes along.

Thinking and dreaming together as a family about how your summer will unfold will make all the difference. Don’t assume you know what your kids or others in the family want. Be open and curious in this process and negotiate agreements about behavior, daily routines and big events.

For more parenting support, please join us for an Upcoming Live Class  or browse our Catalog of Recorded Content including Quick Video Solution Libraries with handouts.  Questions? Email us at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com 

TOPICS

Related Posts

Peace at Home

Let’s Increase Awareness AND Acceptance During Autism Awareness

About 1 in 44 children in the US have a diagnosis of autism, according to the CDC. It’s

Peace at HomeMarch 23 , 2023
Peace at Home

There’s No Such Thing As Perfect: Reduce Stress

Whether you grew up striving for straight A’s, or you spend your work time stressing about the most

Peace at HomeMarch 21 , 2023
Peace at Home

Conversations That Build Self Worth for Your Child

We speak to our children all day, every day, and the words we use are of paramount importance.

Peace at HomeMarch 07 , 2023
Peace at Home

Every Marriage is a Cross-Cultural Experience

Before having children, many couples spend time talking about the basics of what having children will look like.

Peace at HomeFebruary 24 , 2023
Peace at Home

Are You a Member of a Company ERG

No matter what industry you’re in, work-life harmony is extremely important to well being and success—both at home

Peace at HomeFebruary 24 , 2023
Peace at Home

Mom’s Role: What’s Different, What’s the Same and

There’s no doubt about it—a mother’s role in the home has evolved over time, for better or for

Peace at HomeFebruary 19 , 2023

Join our mailing lists for more parenting tips

Peace at Home