Thursday, June 13, 2024

Summertime is here—and that means more free time for the little people in my home. Between pools, playdates, camps, and finding the right time to just relax, summer can be another full time job. I don’t know about your kiddos, but mine are out of school for exactly 10 weeks which can seem like an eternity if not properly planned out. So here are some ways I create summer rhythms in my house.

First 2 Weeks

The first 2 weeks in our house is strictly set aside for rest. That’s right! No friends over, no going out, or running crazy through the sprinklers (just yet). This time is special because my kids have been working extremely hard in school, waking up early, concentrating on loads of homework, and coming home late because of extra-curricular activities. All of our bodies need rest, and for the past two summers, my kiddos have come to really appreciate it.

Second 2 Weeks

Then comes the next two weeks of summer. I like to call them, “Summer Camp Champions.” During this time, our family chooses two separate week-long camps for each child to attend. Whether it’s a favorite sport, creative arts, financial education, or building of character activity, I find the best way for my kiddos to live, have fun, and learn new things.

Third 2 Weeks

Because the last two weeks can be exhausting, I use these two weeks to plan playdates and sleepovers with friends. This allows my kiddos to run crazy in sprinklers, go to the pool, hang out at arcades, race go-karts, challenge friends in laser tag, play video games until their little hearts are content, and stay up as long as their eyes will stay open. My kids really enjoy these weeks because they feel like they get to plan their own summer fun.

Fourth 2 Weeks

During these two weeks, we begin brushing up on school skills. I purchase grade appropriate workbooks for my kiddos to complete and give out incentive prizes to combat the complaining. And because the local library has a summer reading program, this is also a great way to knock out some summer readings for prizes.

Fifth 2 Weeks

These final two weeks are prep mode for crossing back over into our normal routine. School clothes are sorted, regular bedtime goes back into full effect, lunch and dinner meal planning suggestions are discussed, while school registration and supply shopping begin.

So what are some of your summer rhythms? I hope mine can affirm some you currently have and inspire new one’s as well!

By Chajay Wise, with modifications.  

From Parent Cue