Thriving During the Summer Months

Thriving During the Summer Months

May is fast approaching and before you know it, your children will be out of school. It might be wise to begin thinking about your summer schedule. To assist you with this, here are four areas that you might consider as you survive no, THRIVE this summer.

1. Home routine – consistency is key: snack-time, lunch-time, kitchen rules, order of the day, chores, cuddle time as you read books.

2. Play time – with siblings or friends, parks, and ALONE creative play time.

3. Devotional time – memory verse, Bible books, VBS, prayer-time for family and friends.

4. Activities - summertime fun, rest, naptime, self-entertainment time, swim lessons, sports.

Routine – As you know, children do well with routine. Daily routines and rhythms provide consistency and structure for children. They love knowing how their day will unfold; it provides a sense of security for their little lives. After you have your routines determined, talk with your children about them. Today, we will…And then, if things change (and they will), you can teach an attitude of flexibility and adjustment, which is an important life skill. Model your flexibility!

Activities – will you visit the library on certain days? Will your children be involved in any sports activities, swimming lessons? Will you take a family vacation? If so, make a “count-down” paper chain marking time until the day you depart. Locate your destination on a map or globe. Check out library books to learn about your vacation spot. Talk about the clothes to pack. Make predictions about what you will do once you arrive at your destination. Turn this into a total learning situation as you anticipate the fun together! Review good manners and doing unto others.

Play time – I am a big proponent of children learning to play by themselves and learning to wander through books alone. Train your child to enjoy doing this. I always had a Little Tike table in the kitchen where my children could look at books, draw, color, or create things from craft items while I was meal prepping. Play soft music while you work in the kitchen and your child entertains himself. Do not feel like you need to entertain your child every minute. If you do, you will rob your child of learning important skills. Outdoor playtime is important for a healthy dose of vitamin D and the development of large motor skills. If your yard is not conducive, go to a park in the morning when it’s not too hot. I especially like the “purple park” in Smyrna across from Campbell High School. It has play equipment for various ages from toddlers to elementary. Allow your children to become bored. Out of boredom comes creative play, and it takes about 20 minutes for this to take shape. So, allow ample time for creative juices to flow! Say this, “You are very capable of entertaining yourself.” And then, walk away. Please do not be ‘on call’ every minute of the day for your child. You have your own work to do.

Devotional time – summer is the perfect time to memorize verses together! Devotional books can be read anytime during the day – not just at bedtime! If you travel a distance by car, take books along and have a read-a-thon! It’s an opportune time to read to your children. Please resist and limit screen-time to 30 minutes a day. Seriously? Yes.

Chores – even your youngest toddler can help with chores. Try teaching your child to match socks; place clothes in correct drawers or baskets; place books back where they belong; arrange stuffed animals on the bed or shelf; pick up Legos and other toys all the while saying or singing, “A place for everything and everything in its place!” Brush teeth (parent checks), dress self, comb hair.

Read / Cuddle / Rest/naptime – this is necessary! You need it and so does your child. This creates space for your child to slow-down. Hot weather adds to fatigue. A fatigued child has a difficult time managing emotions. Set a timer in the hallway if you must, but do not rob yourself or your child of this important chunk of downtime and quiet time. This might be a good time to check your phone since you won’t be using it in front of your child. You are modeling, remember?

It will take time to instill these routines, but keep at it. Our Redeemer teachers work on establishing their school routines, and it usually takes 3-4 weeks. You get what you expect from children; set the bar high and be patient and persistent. These routines build a sense of confidence in becoming a “big boy” or “big girl.” Since you are reading this now, you have ample time to prepare! It is wise to be proactive in establishing your daily routines, rather than to be reactive to your child’s whims.

Summer – an opportunity to make memories as you spend time with your children! Slow down and enjoy being free from carpools and daily clock-watching, for the most part. Routines are good; overly scheduled days are not. Perhaps have a Sunday evening meeting with your family to discuss the activities and schedules for the upcoming week – another skill worth teaching!