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Summer Scheduling
Planning for a Worry-Free and Fun Season
By Lisa Marie Metzler
Summer is here and that means no more stress, right? Maybe not. The new season can bring new artivities – and a need for a new schedule!
If you haven't already, create a plan specifically for summer. First, get out your calendar and pencil in summer camps, family vacations, special day trips, swimming lessons and other scheduled activities. Second, design a summer routine for you and your children. Staying up late and sleeping in every morning, followed by days of unscheduled freedom (read: boredom) will make for a long summer. Third, organize your home for the inevitable sand, wet suits and summer crafts that will soon be in abundance.
Check the local newspaper and public library for upcoming events. Include your children in the planning and ask what kinds of activities they would like to participate in this summer. By including children, the new summer routine won't seem like a chore, and by mapping out the activities on a master calendar, you'll find room for each child's preferred activities.
When a special activity – like a children's art fair or trip to the zoo – isn't taking calendar space, then stick to a weekly routine. For instance, every Monday could be library day. Tuesdays could be reserved for the public pool or beach. Wednesdays could be free play. On Thursdays, the craft box could be opened to create finger paintings, clay figures, lunch bag puppets and the like. Friday could mean playing board games or working in a garden designated especially for the kids.
