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Ah, summer. The season of warm nights under the stars, sunny days in the sand, popsicles, and pool days. And summer camps, playdates, family vacations, birthday parties, back-to-school planning, hot temperatures, and hot tempers. Unfortunately, as a parent, sometimes summer feels more like a never-ending to-do list and less like a season of fun in the sun. And as the hot days drag on, it’s easy to feel burnt out and exhausted. But summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Here are five tips to help you make the most out of summer – for you and your kids!
Own Your Calendar
We all know a healthy family routine is a lifesaver during the busy school year, but once summer comes along, it goes out the window, and we’re left floundering. While your school-year routine might not work for summertime, creating a routine you and your kid love are essential. Don’t be afraid to make a schedule and stick to it. You might even find you’ve got more time for fun than you expected!
Rely On Your Community
Let’s be honest: sometimes you need a break from your kiddos. And that’s okay! This is why having a community of friends and family is so important. Don’t be afraid to lean on your community this summer. Your kidless friend would probably love to take yours out for ice cream for the afternoon. A pool day with Grandma, a backyard sleepover with the cousins, and even a cookout with the neighbors are all great ways to add some magic to your kid’s summer and give you a chance to take a break and connect with your community.
Meet Your Needs First
We get frustrated or cranky with our kids because we haven’t met our needs. But, remember: You have to put on your oxygen mask first! So make sure to schedule in time to take care of yourself. Whether that’s a solo spa day, a round of golf with the guys, a kid-free movie date, a weekend away, or even just a couple of hours to knock out that to-do list, prioritize taking care of yourself and watch how it transforms your parenting!
Reconnect With Your Inner Child
Studies have shown that adults need to play. Creating a summer full of magical memories isn’t just for your kids. It’s for you as well. You may feel out of practice when it comes to playing, so take the opportunity to learn from your kids. Ask them questions about their play, and remember, part of playing is not taking ourselves so seriously or being consumed by what others think about us. So put on the fun swimsuit, build the sandcastle, splash in the waves, do the art project, run through the sprinklers, and get messy with ice cream cones! Indulge your inner child and watch your kids learn by example that having fun is part of being a healthy grown-up.
It’s Okay To Be Bored
Our culture has an obsession with being on the go at all times. But more and more, Neuroscience is discovering that boredom has incredible benefits. Being bored fosters creativity gives your brain a break from constant stimulation, helps us learn self-control, and encourages us to try new things. Research shows that we’re healthier and more innovative when we allow ourselves time to sit still. Think about scheduling boredom time into your daily routine. Have a list of quiet, low-mess options for boredom time for your kids to choose from like, doing a puzzle, playing outside, playdough, or reading. And remember to do the same for yourself! After all, we’re Human Beings, not Human Doings!
Do Less So You Can Do More
It’s okay to say “no” this summer. After two years in a global pandemic that’s left us all stressed and overwhelmed, you don’t have to jump back into a jam-packed summer schedule. If you struggle with summer burnout, doing less might even allow you to make the things you do say yes to way more impactful and memorable. Remember that at the end of the day, as much as our kids might want a never-ending summer of fun, what they want is your love, affection, and time.
Every season brings unique challenges to parenting, and while there can be so much pressure to create the “perfect summer” for your kids, the truth is there’s no such thing as a perfect summer. However, there can be a summer perfect for your family. And with some intention and creativity, we believe this could be your family’s best summer yet!
