It’s the end of May and a mother’s thoughts turn to — summer relaxation.
O yes, I forgot. We have kids we have to plan summer activities for!
There is often little rest for mom! In order for your world to slow down a bit, you’ve got to keep the kids busy.
Here are some activities that were always anchor points for our summers:
1. Reading: To celebrate the end of the “school year” (although school often went year round) we celebrate with a trip to the bookstore. Each child gets to buy a summer book or two – others will come from the library. We set a reading goal – either a set number of books or a required amount of time each day. It’s so important for our kids to read books that they hold in their hands! It’s so different from screen life. Does your public library or bookstore have a reading program? Get signed up. Some have some nice prizes. If not, do your own reading program. You can get a nice reading log when you sign up for my email newsletter here: www.realmomlife.com
2. Serve. The value of work is something kids need to learn. I’m all for kids having time to dream and play, but too much time isn’t good for them. As your kids get older, they should learn to serve via work – either paid or unpaid. Is there a neighbor who needs help? Is there a VBS your older child can work? Hospitals and nursing homes are often desperate for volunteers. Start checking out the opportunities available. For older kids, by the way, summer job slots at park districts, ice cream stores, etc. start taking applications in March!
3. Skill. The laid back pace of summer is a great time to learn new life skills! Cooking, organizing, cleaning and household shopping are skills that are made for slower summer days. You can get some ideas of age-appropriate skills here or in my book, Life Skills for Kids.
4. Explore. Sometimes school-year schedules are so jammed that a longed-for hobby or project simply has to take the back burner. Was there a time this year when your child said, “Mom, I’d really like to ______.” Maybe it was to learn an instrument, take up ballet or improve drawing skills. Brainstorm with your child to create opportunities to explore this summer. You can find other fun summer activities in my ebook, Seasonal Savors.
Finally, Mom, what about YOU? Are there things you have set aside due to busy-ness? Is it reading a big, fat novel, or finishing a craft project? It might be something as simple as getting your nails done. Slow down as much as you can, pamper yourself and your family and savor the sweet days of summer.
