Summer Schedule for Kids: An approach inspired by the NEW 101 Kids Activities book!
Sometimes I smile at my kids and think about how lucky I am to be able to spend lazy, relaxing summer days with them. Other times, I feel ... simply overwhelmed by the lack of routine.
Switching from a daily schedule to the openness of summer vacation can be challenging for kids (and parents!). THEN... switching back into a fall school routine can be exhausting. I've discovered a middle ground.
This summer add JUST ENOUGH structure into your daily activities to keep your family on a routine.
Yes, yes, YES! Summer vacation should include spontaneity, patches of boredom, and Popsicles. Lots and lots of Popsicles. I am not suggesting a rigid schedule that will STRESS you out if you miss a day. Instead, this is a daily guide to inspire simple family fun. Let me explain...
This summer, consider having an ongoing weekly schedule; for example, make....
- Monday: Library Day
- Tuesday: Art Day
- Wednesday: Outdoor Adventure Day
- Thursday: Recipe Day
- Friday: Educational Fun Day
HERE'S THE THING...
Library Day can mean whatever YOU want it to depending on your mood, schedule, and how the kids are feeling. It can mean you return books through the library drive-thru and nothing more. It can mean you do story time. It can mean you go in and pick out three books. It can mean you choose a movie to check out and watch later in the afternoon.
Make the task as big or as small as you feel like on that particular day.
Are you catching my drift?
- Art Day can mean 15-minutes of store-bought play dough or a full fledge "get out the paints, glitter, and glue" project.
- Outdoor Adventure Day can mean 15-minutes in the front yard, a trip to the playground, coffee on the patio of a Starbucks, or a picnic at a local beach.
- Recipe Day can mean baking cookies from a log, cooking dinner together, or simply trying something new.
- Educational Fun Day can mean going out to lunch together and counting the change from the bill, it can mean doing a science experiment, or watching a PBS show.
The point is, YOU decide. Pick themes so broad that you have massive amounts of leeway from one week to the next. I have a good friend who even writes out the weekly schedule on their family chalkboard to help her kids know what to expect. Your kids will love the underlying structure.
GET STARTED
Commit to a set of daily themes! Then HAVE FUN filling Pinterest boards, so you’re never caught off guard. Here are a few of my favorites to inspire you...
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If Pinterest is not your thing, I have a few awesome books to recommend. You'll want to start with this 101 Kids Activities That Are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! Check out the table of contents... Oh yeah.
This book has got you covered ALL SUMMER LONG.
Order 101 Kids Activities That Are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! on Amazon.
Let's just say this book is 100% Kid Approved. Read about what happened when my girls got their hands this book.
If your looking for additional resources, I highly recommend these three books as well:
- The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art and Creativity by Jean Van't Hul
- Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder by Mariah Bruehl
- Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors by Rachelle Doorley
- Red Ted Art: Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids by Maggy Woodley
- The Artful Year: Celebrating the Seasons with Crafts and Recipes by Jean Van't Hul
Have you got theme ideas beyond what I have listed above? Let's chat in the comments! The more inspiration, the better.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Image credit: First Day of School by Dave & Margie Hill | CC y 2.0
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