As moms, we know the end of the school year can be crazy. But even as we look forward to summer break with pool time, family vacations, and no homework, the transition from school to summer can be just as nerve wracking. Here are a few tips for adjusting to summer break to make your family’s transition into the calm a little bit easier.
Summer Meeting
When my boys were all young we had a Summer Meeting as soon as school let out. We talked about schedules, routines, and expectations together. We brainstormed day trips and vacations they wanted to take. They each set goals for learning, activities, and behavior and we came up with a chore schedule. We did it together to get their buy-in. In the end, it ended up being a fun way to be sure we were all on the same page.
Stick to a Routine
While it feels really good to not have a schedule, the truth is kids (and parents!) do better with one. A summer schedule doesn’t have to be as rigorous as the school year, it just has to work for your family. Make sure to leave enough time for everyone to adjust and to have expectations that are realistic for your child’s age and abilities.
Setting Expectations
We all have expectations as parents. It’s hard to adjust what we think our kids should be dong with what our kids are capable of doing. Summer break can be a good time to work on skills that give your kids trouble during the school year without pressure. Above all else, give yourself and your kiddos grace when all doesn’t go well.
Leave Time For Nothing
The truth is, it is good for kids to have time that is not structured. There are a lot of benefits to unstructured time with no activities. It’s an important life lesson to allow kids to be bored and learn to entertain themselves. When we do this, it causes kids to get creative and manage their own time. That being said, too much unstructured free time can leave kids feeling unhinged and cause problems. Your child’s age and their personality will both be factors in how much down time works for your family.
The summer is full of opportunities for learning, family fun, growth and experiences. Adjusting from the rigors of the school year to the summer schedule is a great way for your family to work together to have an amazing summer break.
What do you like to do to keep your kids happy and entertained on summer break? If you’re looking for ideas, check out how to use quiet time in your home.
