7 Strategies for a Successful Summer Break

Strategies for a Successful Summer Break – Many schools are already off for the summer and hundreds more will be off within the next 2 weeks. Being off school for summer break can be an adjustment for parents and kids. We move from a regimented 5 day a week schedule to the lazy days of summer and many of us even throw in a family vacation. Below are some tips to help you have a successful summer break.

 

1. Create A Summer Schedule: It isn’t necessary to schedule something for every second of the day but it is important for kids (and parents) that do better on a schedule to have something more predictable so everyone can thrive. Boredom can sometimes lead to bad behavior so for kids that need to be occupied it’s better to set a schedule for summer days. Think about chores, and giving kids new tasks like making dinner 2 nights a week.  Older kids can look up and plan shopping lists and meals however younger kids will need much more assistance.
2. Make A Family Calendar: Having a visible calendar is so helpful to keeping everyone on tract and you avoid problems with kids that don’t make changes easily because they can see what is coming up and mentally and physically prepare. You can also add the nights kids are responsible for dinner (tip #1)
3. Keep on Reading: Reading should be part of their everyday routine this summer. Whether in the morning or before bed (or both), make it a priority to read with your kids or to schedule in time for them to read. It might finally be time to move from picture books the chapter books or a book series! Remember the goal is to make reading enjoyable so keep in mind that you may need to schedule in (Tip #2) a library day once a week to pick out new books.  Have a box in the family room where library books are returned each day so summer doesn’t wind up as an experiment in how many fees you owe your local library!
4. Decrease Screen Time: Summer is a really easy time to flip on the TV and waste the day away.  Look into parental controls with your television provider and consider cutting off all channels except educational channels during the summer so that if the TV does turn on you can feel good about the programming.  The other option is to suspend tv service until September.
5. Keep kids social: Group play as well as trips to the local playground or museum are all ways to entertain children without screen time. Social settings are important and encourage imaginary play and creativity all while developing social skills that are essential for a child’s development. Talk to a few friends with kids in the same age range and see about a weekly scheduled play date where a different family hosts snacks and play each week for a 3 hour time span.
6. Incorporate Nature into Each Day: Summer is the perfect season to get outdoors and have kids connect with nature, feel a breeze on their skin, water or sand in the toes and grass under their feet. If your kids don’t naturally gravitate outdoor then plan a scavenger hunt or a fun game of hide and seek.
7. Make time for extended family:  Time goes by so quickly! The summer is the perfect time to visit an elderly aunt or grandparent and spend half a day helping them.  Kids today seem to be loosing the appreciation for the wisdom in the elderly and we as parents need to step in and show kids that the aging still have a place in society by visiting and giving them a place of importance.