Plan for a Super Summer

Summertime goes quickly around here. My school-aged girls get a brief two months and one week of summertime fun, so it pays to use that precious time intentionally.

Last summer was fantastic for our family. Here’s my advice for making this a super summer too.

Reflect on what did and didn’t work last year.

Too many camps? Too few?  Too many bored afternoons at home? Too few? Just think about your memories from last summer. Try to repeat the highlights and work to avoid the low points.

Also, think about how your kids have changed. My youngest two were very clingy in years past, but this year, they are much more independent. So, they are more ready for swim lessons and more accepting when I leave them at camp programs. They also have more stamina and are okay with busier days.

Ask your kids what they want to do.

It’s really important to have a chat with your kids at the beginning of summer and see what they want to do. Children can be very knowing about what sorts of activities they crave.

For my oldest daughter, free time to play with her friends is high on her list. Another wants tennis lessons with her dad. Neither of those things are difficult to provide, but it’s so easy to overlook the simple things in the midst of a busy summer. Knowing what their top priorities are is so helpful.

Also, having a list of things they want to do is a wonderful for the days when you or they just can’t come up with something to do. A reminder to do something as simple as make homemade ice cream could turn an afternoon of boredom into a perfect summer day.

Plan for the must-dos.

If you are committed to family events or travel, be sure they’re on the calendar…along with extra tasks they require. Schedule the time for the shopping, packing, mail-stopping and other chores.  Maybe you can do some of those things when your children are at camps or at a friend’s house. Planning extra time for the non-fun activities will make those days less stressful for everyone.

Make up for what’s missing during the school year.

For my oldest, there’s never enough art at school. So, she gets to take several special art camps this summer, and I have ample supplies on hand for projects at home. For some kids, summer is the perfect time to take a break from one activity and try another–like exchanging ballet lessons for a swim team. My girls all want more playtime with friends, so now is the time to schedule those playdates! Things may not be as spontaneous, but at least they’re guaranteed to happen!

Plan for downtime.

I love the days when we don’t go anywhere. I love being at home, when I can catch up on chores and the girls can relax with no scheduled plans. These days are one of my favorite parts of summer. Sometimes these days go by in the blink of an eye…others aren’t quite as easy.

So I have a long list of activities in mind for those quiet days at home. Crafts and art are great. We can also pull out toys and games that have been forgotten about. Often, I can just send the girls outside to play on the playset, run under the sprinkler or come up with their own games.

Stock up on the summer necessities.

I’ve got loads of juice boxes, granola bars and Popsicles on hand. Quick lunches and portable snacks are a big part of summer for us. Having those on hand in bulk keeps me from being caught off guard when two or three or four other kids drop by. When we needed them, I kept swim diapers in the car and at home (for the sprinkler). I have sunscreen everywhere–in the cabinet by the back door, in my purse, in the car, in my girls’ backpacks.

That’s my plan to help this be a smooth, intentional, FUN summer.  I hope they help you do the same!