aka How to Have a Great Summer - Thrive Instead of Just Surviving It

​​​​​​​Can you believe how fast this year is flying?!

How is it summer already? ​​​​​​​

The last day of school was yesterday for my kiddos so SUMMER VACATION MODE has officially been activated in our home!

I have two kids graduating out of their current schools (brand new schools in the fall!), a rising Kindergartner (I am still not mentally or emotionally ready for him to be getting on a school bus riding to school in the fall; my only solace is that he'll have his older sister on the bus with him!) and the prospect of managing all things drop-off and paperwork for four kids across three schools in the fall!

Phew, I am exhausted just thinking about it!

But for now, school is over and my only focus is enjoying summer with them! Oh, and don't get me started on how my oldest has seven more summers until college!!! 7!! So yea, I am savoring these moments while we still have them!

Below are my 6 tips to help you thrive this summer (and another FREE summer calendar download!). 

1. Create a schedule and keep up routines.

 Plan ahead to make this summer fun for you and your family. Create daily routines and build a schedule to keep your children busy and engaged.

One fun way to create a schedule is by creating theme days for your children. For example, you might have “Trip Tuesday,” where you and the kids go out to do fun, relaxing activities. Decide on themes for each day of the week, allowing you and your kids to get into a rhythm. In our home, we do a Movie Monday where we either go to a movie theatre (we like dine-in ones because they offer an elevated and fun experience) or Fast Food Mondays, Trip Tuesday, Ice Cream Wednesday, Thursday Takeout and Freestyle Friday. This will help your kids have something fun to look forward to, get some quality time with you and also allow you time to get work done while they occupy themselves (if they're old enough). #nomommyguilt

Build routines into the daily schedule for you and your children. For example, help your children stay on a healthy sleep schedule by sending them to bed at a consistent time. Yes, they'll complain that it's summer and they should be able to go to bed whenever (as me how I know?!) but this is where you get to exercise that authority you have in the home. This of course is up to your personal preference. I know some moms that prefer to have their kiddos sleep late so that they wake up late. Others, like me, may just want to keep a consistent schedule year round. Give them a checklist of things to do each day. This list can include things like personal hygiene, cleaning, reading, and more. Assign daily chores for each child to help with the upkeep of the home, especially since things are crazier and messier with everyone home all day long. 

2. Limit technology by setting boundaries for your children. 

A list of routines isn’t just helpful for giving your children structure this summer. When it comes to using technology, having a list of routines can be helpful for building healthy boundaries.

Create a list of things that need to be done before a child uses technology each day. For example, you may want your child to complete a chore, read for fifteen minutes, and spend some time outside before they’re able to use technology. 

Since your children may be watching more TV (or accessing technology) than usual, take some time to pick out shows that you approve of and are fine with them watching. Although spending time in front of the TV isn’t always ideal, it may be necessary for you to get your work done. Superbook is a great show on YouTube and Prime Video, one I enjoy watching with my children and don’t mind them watching as much as they want. Other shows include the Masked Singer and competition shows, including kids’ cooking and baking shows. 

This year, I am being even more intentional about limiting TV time in our home, so the plan is to limit TV to just a max of one movie a day, at least on weekdays.  Towards the end of the school year, we limited TV to just weekends and even then just a movie or two, and some iPad time. This summer I am heavily incentivizing them to read, read, READ! Yup, I have charts and some monetary rewards and all! :)

It’s important to make things enjoyable for you, too. When it comes to movies for example, pick out some oldies or classics and enjoy watching them through the eyes of your kids. We’ve enjoyed classics like The Parent Trap, Goonies and Cheaper by the Dozen. We have also had a good laugh watching the Father of the Bride series and the Pink Panther series.

3. Try to schedule and spend time one-on-one with each child. 

Summer is perfect for spending more time with your children. Whether you have one child or several, take some time to spend one-on-one with each child.

Your one-on-one time doesn’t need to be elaborate, either. If possible, make room for this time each week and tailor the time to each child’s needs and personality. Do something creative, paint nails or go on an outing together. The possibilities are limitless, and what you do with each child may evolve over time.

4. Don’t forget to date your spouse.

As moms, we often get wrapped up in everything needed to take care of our children. While it’s important for parents to invest in the relationships they have with their children, it’s also important to nurture the relationship between parents. 

The more time you spend together, the more unified you will be. With that unification, you’re better equipped to tackle whatever life throws at you in the home. 

Spending time outside the home to date your spouse can also be a great way to connect and enjoy each other’s company. Time spent away from daily routines will help you nurture a healthy and happy marriage.

My hubby and I will be getting some breakfast/brunch dates in in the weeks that they kids have half day VBS camps. for example.  Get creative!

5. Create a summer bucket list with your children. 

Spend some time with your children creating a summer bucket list. Items on the list might include a backyard camp-out, having an outdoor ice cream sundae night, or visiting a local attraction.

Allow each child to pick a few items for your summer bucket list. Add a few from you and your spouse, then start putting them on the calendar for the summer.

When you get input from your children on what to do this summer, they can take ownership of activities. You might have older children research information such as cost, distance, and operating hours for activities. Help them build useful skills while having fun planning the summer.

6. Help your children set some summer goals.

Goals aren’t just for keeping adults focused. Help your children set one or two summer goals to keep them focused and inspired throughout the summer.

Because your children will have more free time over the summer, it’s a great time to encourage them to take on a larger project. For children old enough to read, a reading goal through your local library or at home can be a great way to spend the summer. Many children create summer Bible reading goals. (I have included a Reading Tracker in my free Summer download here). Your child could try to read the New Testament or even the entire Bible over the summer! There are many Kids Bible commentaries available that make this task much easier than it sounds. 

Other goal ideas are things like learning to ride a bike, taking swim or music lessons, keeping their room clean, or learning to paint/draw. It’s important that each goal is tailored to the individual child’s age and interests. You could even have your child set two goals: one that they determine and one that you help them create. 

Once you’ve created goals with your children, determine what reward they’ll get for completing it. This could be as simple as a trip to the local ice cream shop or out to their favorite restaurant. Like I mentioned earlier, I am heavily incentivizing reading this summer!

Conclusion 

Summer doesn’t need to be about survival. Although it comes with its own set of stressors, you and your family can learn to thrive this summer.

I’m sharing the calendar that I use to help you and your family plan your summer. Download your complimentary Summer 2022 calendar here.  You can print a larger version at your local printing place. This year I printed mine at my local Staples, in size 36x24in!

Download your free copy here! (Don't forget to check your email for the calendar).