4 Simple Ways to Create a Calm & Fun Summer with Kids at Home
Summer is almost here in Austin, TX, as evidenced by the triple digit forecast for next week. Yikes! In just a couple weeks, school will finish up and kids will be home for two and a half months of summer vacation. Goodbye to the structure and routine of the school year and hello to the chaos of summer! Here are four simple ways to create a more peaceful and enjoyable summer for you and your children.
1. Establish a Flexible Routine
While kids thrive with lots of free time to play and explore, they also thrive with some structure and rhythm to their day. Going from a highly predictable school and home routine of the last nine months, to now having an endless day stretching out before them, can feel daunting (perhaps more for the parents than the children). Having a loose routine (ie: breakfast, morning responsibilities, outdoor time, lunch, rest time, free play, dinner, wind down routine, and bed) creates a predictable day that still allows freedom to adjust to what the day actually brings.
2. Encourage Outdoor Adventures
Plan regular outings to the many wonderful parks, swimming spots, and museums that Austin has for us! As a career nanny of over 20 years, I’ve found the best way to keep kids content and regulated is to give them lots of unstructured time outside in the fresh air, using their bodies and imaginations. Plan these outings for first thing in the morning to avoid the hottest hours of the day. This also helps avoid the pent-up energy explosions that can happen if you stay inside too long first thing in the day.
3. Use a Visual Schedule for Younger Kids
Many young kids feel safe with predictability. Knowing that breakfast is followed by getting dressed, or that they go outside to play after brushing their teeth, or that nap time happens after a story, can help them feel more calm and happy because they understand what’s happening. Establishing a new routine can take a bit of time to build and get used to. Having a visual schedule with pictures can make the transition period easier for young children.
4. Embrace the Boredom
Last summer, how often did you hear the phrase “I’m bored”? Yes, that may possibly be childhood’s most annoying phrase, but it’s a phrase I actually get excited to hear as a nanny. Boredom is so important for a child’s development! When kids are allowed to be bored, they learn to problem solve. They learn to be creative. They discover new ways to play and come up with new ideas! Refrain from jumping in to save your child from boredom. Empathize and then give the boredom back to them. My go to answer for “I’m bored” is:
“I’m sorry; that’s frustrating. What are you going to do about it?”
And then I busy myself with laundry or something equally as boring. With time and space, they will figure that boredom out themselves and come up with amazing ideas!
I hope these simple ideas will help you have a fun and peaceful summer with your children! Enjoy the sunshine and bonus time with your kids! The new school year will begin again soon enough.