How to get the most out of your Summer break!

Happy first day of Summer!  For many kids Summer break officially started about 2 weeks ago, but today is actually the first day of Summer also known as the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year!

For many families Summer time means sleeping in, less stress without all the school work and after school activities, and just an overall slower pace to your every day life.  This slower pace lifestyle can often make kids feel lazier or like they don’t need to keep up with their normal chores and routine, or they may constantly complain about how bored they are.

So to make sure your families household chores don’t just come to a screeching halt, and so you don’t hear the phrase “I’m bored” every single day, here are some great tips to keep your kids motivated this summer while still making Summer break fun!

Create a Summer bucket list.

Summer tends to fly by, and before you know it you are just days away from starting a new school year.  This year why not try something new.  With your kids help compile a Summer bucket list with all the things that they would like to do this Summer.  The list can be a variety of different things, from what restaurants they want to eat at, to what parks or museums they want to visit.  Having this Summer bucket list will give you a great idea list to choose from and hopefully help keep those “I’m bored’s” to minimum.

Create a Summer schedule.  

Include everything on this schedule from individual chores to designated reading times to when they can check off another bucket list item.  Now when you hear the “I’m bored” phrase you can pull out your list and easily assign another task!

 Establish a theme for each day.

For example, Mondays can be eat out for lunch day, Tuesdays can be invite a friend over day, Wednesdays are pool days, etc.  This way your kids will have something to look forward to each day and it helps keep the week varied.

Designate alone time each day. 

Everyone can use a break every now and then.  Let your kids know that everyday for at least 30-45 minutes they need to be in their room doing a quiet activity.  They can nap, read, or play by themselves, whatever they choose to do will be a much needed break for you the parent or the babysitter.