Even if school’s out, structure can still be “in”. In fact, you (and your kids) really need it and by taking a few simple steps, you can create a summer schedule for your family that fits in fun and keeps your house running smoothly. Developing and following a simple summer schedule will also help for an easier transition to school in the Fall!
Here’s what you can do. First, talk together as a family and make a list of your summer activities (both the things you want to do and the things you need to do). Examples can include:
- Exercise
- Chores
- Outdoor play
- Hobbies
- Pool time
- Sporting event
- Free time
- Classes or camps
- Appointments
- Vacations/travel days
- Visitors
- Library visits
Next, make 2 types of schedules. One for a “stay at home” day and another for going out. Use these general schedules to guide your plans.
Example 1:
9:30 a.m. Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Chores
10:30 a.m. Reading and summer assignments
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Educational crafts and activities
2:00 p.m. Hobbies, computer time
3:00 p.m. Exercise, outdoor play, pool time
5:00 p.m. Free time
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Family time
Example 2:
9:30 a.m. Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Chores
10:30 a.m. Visit the library/ Camp
12:30 p.m. Lunch in town
1:30 p.m. Trip to the park / Dr appointment
4:00 p.m. Errands
6:00 p.m. Dinner at home
7:00 p.m. Free time
These are ideas to get you started and create a summer schedule for your family. Of course, you and your family may feel overwhelmed at first. Your kids may even feel exhausted once you start overscheduling activities. This will show in their behavior and you may feel it in your mood. At this point, you can replace some activities with “free choice” or unstructured time. Research on child and adolescent development tells us that this approach can lead to more flexibility, more adaptability to change, and above all, more social success as adults.
Similarly, getting used to a weekly routine is important in adopting a schedule successfully. By following a plan most days, it will become easier to coordinate different activities like taking music lessons, knowing when library books are due, and planning visits to friends or relatives. What’s more, having a schedule gives you something to immediately get back to when a very different or unexpected day happens once in a while. Adding a bit of structure to your summer has, indeed, both short term and long term benefits that you and your family can enjoy.
Have questions? Please contact us.