Tired of all the yelling? Summer vacation is supposed to be a family break, but sometimes is it exhausting. Below are seven tips for a smooth summer. This post contains affiliate links.
As a parent, I tend to romanticize summer break with daydreams of playing in the sprinkler, bike rides, and trips to the lake. The truth is, this extended togetherness often leads to a lot of parenting frustration.
Summer break is supposed to be calming, relaxing, fun, but are you...
Tired of the yelling?
Tired of the whining?
Tired of being tired?
You’re not alone.
From toddler temper-tantrums to tweens talking back ... How do we keep our cool and get our kids to cooperate over summer break?
7 Pro-Active Parenting Tips For Summer Break
Below are seven parenting tips to help make this a SMOOTH summer.
1. Keep the kids well feed and hydrated.
Yeah, it sounds easy, but in the chaos of summer these two basic needs often get lost in the shuffle. Click here for seven simple quick tips for avoiding tantrums, including on-the-go tips to ensure hunger and thirst don't become an issue. This is so me ...
By the way, if your children spend a lot of time outdoors in the yard or neighborhood, consider creating a water station for the kids.
2. If your child thrives on consistency and routine, consider creating a summer schedule.
I have a SAHM friend who creates a weekly routine. For example...
Each Monday they go to the library, Tuesdays they visit the neighborhood park, Wednesday they do a special Mommy & Me Breakfast Date, Thursday they do a kid's craft, and Friday they enjoy snuggling to a mid-day movie.
As a part-time working mom, my variation was a little more loose, but still consistent. For example, every Wednesday our local aquatic center would offer half-price tickets after five o'clock. We'd do our best to take the girls swimming each week. I admit, ice-cream breaks are a part of our regular schedule.
Do you create ongoing summer schedule with your children? Let's chat in the comments! Please share additional suggestion on what works for YOU.
3. Get kids to listen without yelling, nagging or reminding.
Prepare yourself ahead of time for stressful summer situations. Discover proven tools for your most frustrating discipline dilemmas including the 5 R’s of Fair & Effective Consequences. I've partnered with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions & TODAY Show contributor, to offer a FREE LIVE training affiliate webinar to parents. LEARN MORE.
This hour-long investment will leave you with ideas you can start using the SAME day. All you need is your computer. (No webcam required.) You'll see and hear Amy on your screen and you can even ask questions and she'll make them part of the presentation. If you’re tired of nagging, reminding and yelling to get kids to listen — this session is for you. Webinar seating will be limited so learn more and RSVP now!
4. Cut your tattle tale rate in half with this ONE phrase.
Through mindful parenting and asking this one simple question, you will change how your child views tattle-telling on other children.
5. Look for opportunities to say YES.
Have you read the book Yes Day by Amy Krouse Rosenthal? It is a popular title, but it didn't quite sit right with me. Children don’t need non-stop yes, yes, yes, for a full day. Children need a lifetime of small “yes moments.” Learn how to embrace yes moments, even when your instincts says no.
Let them play.
Let them get wet.
Let them be children.
These are the treasured memories of childhood which will earn you “The Coolest Mom EVER” award.
6. Let them have space.
Have you got a little introvert in your home? Schedule white space into your calendar and grant them alone time and space. Set them up with an activity and give them space to concentrate and recharge.
7. Teach your kids these empowering words and END bickering about sharing.
Does this sound familiar? "Give it back! That's MINE." Take the time now to teach your kids these empowering words to help them SHARE on their own this summer. I've seen this work with toddlers and elementary school children. It is a great technique for practicing this life skill.
BONUS TIP: Breathe.
I admit that I too am a "recovering yeller." (Watch intro of this video.) When things get chaotic, when I feel like I can't take another moment of whining, when my skin starts to crawl with frustration, my default is to yell ... loud. Take 5-minutes to just breathe OR try giving yourself a time-IN.
I know yelling is not the best approach, yet despite that knowledge, sometimes when the moment escalates I can feel myself letting go of reason. I can't stop to take a breath. Here's the catch with yelling: it always seems to backfire, especially with a strong-willed child.
Can you relate? Again, be sure to RSVP today for the free parenting webinar. It is an opportunity to pick up a few new parenting tools from the comfort of your home. I am looking forward to participating with you.
How are you preparing for the summer? Let's chat in the comments.
PS: We'd love it if you could let your Facebook friends know about this 2014 parenting webinar - just click this link to share on Facebook.
Image Credit © Lance Neilson | 07.21.10 | CC by 2.0 *Thank you to of Lance Neilson of 2nd Shift Photography for sharing these expressive shots of his son under creative commons. You can find his most recent work here on Facebook.
About Amy McCready
Parenting expert Amy McCready is the Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and a "recovering yeller." She is a champion of positive parenting techniques for happier families and well-behaved kids. Amy reaches a worldwide audience with her Positive Parenting Solutions Online course and is a frequent guest on the TODAY Show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, and elsewhere. In her most important role, she is mom to two teenage boys.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to 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.”
