Summer is here, and for me, a busy mom of 5 who works full-time, that means one thing. They still HAVE to be on a schedule! My kids need to be on a schedule for my sanity and for theirs.
Let me back up– they are on a schedule during the school year. However, most days, we are usually running and scrambling throughout the day, and this is usually due to waking up late/not preparing well the night before.
However, I definitely do not want that to happen this summer! So we’re getting on a good schedule. This is not only going to help them, but it helps my sanity!
Here are some quick tips for a great kids’ summer schedule!
1. Plan It Out
The first thing you need to do when figuring out a schedule is plan. Think about your days now and what they consist of. What are they lacking? What could or should be added? These are really the first steps to figuring out a good kids’ summer schedule.
For instance, my kids have a PILE of clothes to go through! No, I’m not that mom that sits there and does it for them. (I have five kids, there’s no way….) So, I do help them, but the older kids can sort and know what fits them and what doesn’t, of course, with my approval. So, for example, we will work on that a little bit every day this summer. It’s all about small steps!
So think of something that needs to be done that wouldn’t ordinarily get done during the weekdays or weekends during the school year. We like to focus on deep cleaning and organization!
And be creative with your new kids’ summer schedule. Your focus may not be on deep cleaning or organization like mine. Maybe your summer schedule includes popsicles every day, by the pool, and going to various parks! (Wow, that sounds amazing!) But whatever it is that you’re planning, it will only help your child if you have them on a schedule! (And it will help your sanity to have it planned!)
2. Explain It
After you have a good idea of your kids’ summer schedule, explain it to them. Explain what you expect from them. For instance, our kids know that no fun comes before cleanliness or picking up after themselves. We aren’t strict by any means, but I grew up not cleaning anything, and so needless to say, I do not want to pass that down to them, and neither does my husband.
We explain to them that the fun stuff comes after their daily duties are done, and with having more time during the summer, it’s also time to do a little deep cleaning and organizing (especially in their room-yikes!).
So, explain it to them! Tell them what you expect to happen.
3. Be Consistent
This is so, so huge. Being consistent is the key to everything. I once told my husband that the hardest thing was starting something, and he said, “No, the hardest thing is sticking with it,” and I believe that is so very true. It may be hard to start something new, but it is even harder to stick to a plan, especially when it is something new and out of your comfort zone.
If one of your summer goals is to clean all of the doors, do a little bit at a time. It will happen! Don’t skip days. Just get it done! This can sometimes be my biggest problem.
If one of your summer goals is to go to the pool, make sure you plan accordingly because you already KNOW that you’re going! So this gives no excuses to forget towels, sunscreen, or anything. My husband is always prepared, and even though I’m not on that level, I can still do smaller things to help me get on that level.
So whatever your goal or plan is for the summer, stick to it! Make it happen. If you need to do some extra research or ask for help, then do that too!
4. Be Patient
Be patient with yourself as you try something new and implement an awesome kids’ summer schedule. This is different for them just as much as it is for you. Communicate with them and show them grace. This one can be hard for me! For example, right now, I try to be patient during bedtime. My 3-year-old wants to play, and I’m trying to get her to bed on time so she gets enough rest.
But sometimes, I have to stop, take a minute, and listen to her. Even if she wants water for the 5th time, I try to be patient. I do it with a smile, and it will get easier.
This is no different, really. Whatever you have planned, obviously, is not normal. So try and be patient! The reward is a happy mom and happy babies!
5. Put It on Paper
You’re going to want to put your plan, thoughts, and ideas on paper! That vision in your head you just created of a great kid’s summer schedule? Put it on paper, and it will be even better if it is somewhere where they can see it!
This way, you can see it, think about it, talk about it, and be reminded about it!
Your kids will love it too, and maybe they will remind you 100x that they are supposed to go to the zoo one weekend…you’ll know that you’ve conquered making a plan, and now you’re executing it! Your kids will also see that you’re setting goals; you and I both know that is good!
Also, are you looking for a great way to start off the summer with a great kids’ activity?! Check out this Summer Bucket List!
