I know some of you mamas out there think you aren’t going to make it through the next few months now that summer break is here or almost here. You will. You may want to pull your hair out (Please don’t) or duct tape some mouths shut (pretty sure that’s child abuse) but you will make it.
Plan your summer now. Look at your calendar. What are your kids doing this summer? Map it out – camp, VBS, park activities, whatever you already know is happening, get it on a summer schedule and get a realistic look at just what time you will have to fill.
Then start hunting for other activities. Over the next few weeks I will be posting free and cheap things that will be a mix of local and national. There will also be things you can do at home or outings you can take. Find a few fun splurge day trips or extra dollar fun things. Get a membership to the pool, designate quiet times during the day (reading, video games, etc.).
Take the quiet time you can get and capitalize on renewing your mind, energy, and love for your kids.
Set up some sort of system for rewards/consequences. MAKE IT BENEFIT YOU!!! Fighting? Scrub the bathroom floor – you know what I mean? Make it age appropriate or you might find your 3 year old using the toothbrushes. Stick to whatever the reward/consequence system is as long as it’s working. I admit it worked so well for me last year that on day 3 there was NO fighting and I was like “oh man, my house is going to be a disaster again.” At least I had peace and quiet in my disaster!! I really need to implement that plan again.
Don’t do all the fun things at once. Spread them out. Don’t be afraid to have a pajama day now and then. Pop some popcorn for breakfast, put in a movie, or for different ages, set up a theater, and just do snacks – all day long. Make sure you get carrot sticks and apple slices in there.
Swap off free hours with a girlfriend. She watches yours for 3 hours, you watch hers for 3 hours ANOTHER DAY or you may as well not have bothered.
No matter what, remember, you will survive. Trust me, I know. Summer IS my break – no teaching school. No matter what you do or how it goes, this is your time to just love your children. I know they get frustrating. I know it can get old. I also know that life is precious. I forget that way too often. Just take a look at the news. Take a look at the internet. Imagine it was YOUR CHILD. You only get them once.
Now go stock up on chocolate and caffeine.
Love,
Another hair pulling mama
About Heather McCurdy
Heather McCurdy writes at Real: The Kitchen and Beyond where she shows families how to slow down and savor life on any budget with tasty homemade recipes and family travel.
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Jennifer O. says
What a great post! Thank you for lowering my terror level (a bit)!!
Beth says
How did you know I’ve been in a tizzy knowing that school is out in less than 3 weeks and I haven’t planned my summer? My kids started a countdown and I forbid it….until I can get some plans set. Just sat down with them today for them to pick out some camp programs and I’ll be on it tomorrow!
P@mmy P@m (@Pamlovesbooks) says
and dont be afraid to ask for help.
Alissa says
I’m really looking forward to summer! I do think I need to take a day to map out the summer, though. Great idea to get a list going of ideas of places to visit, things to do, projects to try, etc.
Jo-Lynne Shane says
Good advice. We keep summer pretty laid back but it is hard to fit in work time around playdates and afternoons at the pool. I will have to be better about walking away. The work will be there when I get back, right?? 🙂
Heather M says
Yes! The work will still be there no matter what.
Heather M says
You actually made me think of the words to a song. “We have this moment to hold in our hands and to watch as they slip through our fingers like sand.” I forget too easily in the day to day that one more post, a clean house – none of it will matter if “tomorrow never comes” with my kids.
Jess says
I love summer vacation & think it brings me closer to my kids. We have a few weeks of camp, but the summer is laid back & we spend every single day at the pool!
Becky says
The time swap idea is great! What a good way to get some errands done.
Chrissie says
Great post. I personally like the jammie day with just snacks 🙂 My guy is 4, in daycare FT, even through the summer, but for better or worse, has a mom that craves travel and adventure. We do A LOT. I imagine by the time he’s in school and having off during the summers, I’ll have to have a plan of some kind. I do believe in the down time that summer offers but we all need some structure too, and I love the mapping out the summer idea, picking some local and national places to visit, things to do and see, etc. In fact…I best be getting on that. Crayola Factory and Franklin Institute are high on my list!