Summertime is just around the corner! And I know that a lot of parents face this time with a lot of anxiety. If you have even a hint of dread about your upcoming summer, here are 3 tools to create a more meaningful, intentional summer:
1. A Summer Calendar
This has been one of my community’s favorite printables every year. Why? Because once you print it really big, your child can see the whole summer before them with a Live List they help to create (a special list of “must do’s” for the family).
The summer calendar helps to visually show children when big things are happening: family outings, play dates, vacations, camping trips, and more. If your kiddos have an idea of something they’d like to add, it is easy for them to find an empty space and learn how to plan ahead.
The calendar is also a great opportunity to teach children how to leave empty space in the calendar for down time. Remember, the goal is to simplify!
I recommend printing the Summer Calendar as an engineering print, size 24 x 36 inches.
2. Building a Simple Summer Schedule
In my mind, there are five essential ingredients for a great summer:
- Connection Time – This is time for the whole family to be together, or it is one-on-one time with parents and children.
- Individual Self-Directed Time – Time for children to choose whatever they want to do! This is not parent-directed, so give your child space to fuel their creativity (hint: let your children be bored).
- Learning Time – This is not workbook time! This is time for children to actively learn whatever they want. It can be as simple as peeling carrots or making a cake, or as ambitious as growing a garden or learning an instrument.
- Active Time – Move your body! This can be done as a family on bike rides, hikes, or swimming. It can also be done through indoor yoga (I see you, Arizona summers!), or organized or individual sports. Whatever it looks like, just get your body moving, and it will have a positive impact on your mind.
- Adult Time – You deserve to enjoy the summer too! This can be time to do whatever YOU want to do. (Hint: it doesn’t always have to be productive!)
I’ve created a simple schedule organizer for you to lay out your family’s summer schedule in a way that works for you. Remember: work WITH your family’s flow, and your days will be a lot more effortless!
3. The Mom Store
If you want to encourage more reading in your home and less screens, you will love The Mom Store. This system uses positive reinforcement to help your children develop a love for reading.
If you are familiar with the concept of Behavioral Momentum, you know that it is up to us as parents to get the good behavior going in our home. I love The Mom Store because it is an extrinsic reward system that slowly creates an intrinsic love for reading and the joy of getting lost in a book.
Included in this guide you will find instructions and ideas to implement the Mom Store in your home, a FAQ to help you get started, Labels, Tickets, and Fun Coupons.
If you are looking for more ways to simplify your summer, check out these resources: