Every year, kids look forward to the end of school and the freedom to sleep in, play all day, and do what they like. Still, the loss of structured time can hit hard.
What do you do when summer break seems to be breaking your kids — and you?
Your kids have looked forward to summer vacation since Christmas, and now that it’s here, they’re having meltdowns, their sleep schedules are out the window, and it seems like nothing is going quite right. Here are some handy tips to keep things running smoothly over the summer, and ease the transition into next school yet.
Set a schedule.
It doesn’t have to be as rigorous as the one for the school year. Maybe you insist on waking up by 9 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. and adjusting lights-out to 11 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. For many kids, though, important daily activities like brushing teeth and eating breakfast fall into place most easily when there is a set schedule.
You can set a schedule that’s as strict or relaxed as your kids need, whether that means specific blocks of time for outdoor play and craft time, or just setting down on the calendar which days you’ll go to the park or pool and which are for home time.
Keep some activities structured.
Whether you enroll your kids in a summer camp or swim class or just plan activities in your own backyard, it’s healthy to have some structured time in which they know what they’ll be doing, who will be joining them, and what will be expected of them. If you’re short on plans, connect with your local rec center, 4H clubs, and other organizations to help schedule fun that fits your needs and budget.
You can also check with local organizations, such as food pantries and nursing homes, for volunteer opportunities that are open to children.
Keep meals regular.
During the school year, kids eat three meals a day and one or two snacks. During the summer, they look for a few dozen meals and infinite snacks per day! You can help curb this while still meeting the nutritional needs of active, growing kids by declaring set mealtimes and making sure healthy options—fruit, cut vegetables, and cheese—are always available.
This will help cut down on demands for sweets and unhealthy snacks.
Remember to keep your kids hydrated in the heat! Choose water and fruit juices that are naturally sweet with no sugar added.
Limit screen time.
Of course, you do this all year, but it can be tough in the summer when the kids clamber for something to do all day.
There are plenty of options — you can make screens off-limits from breakfast until supper, offer trade-offs of a given amount of screen time after active play outside, or offer them for limited use during the hottest part of the day instead, especially if you live in an area where the heat index get high enough to endanger health.
Remember, shutting screens off at least an hour before bedtime helps with relaxation and sleep (for adults too)!
Have a great summer!
Remember to give your child (and yourself) time to relax! Have a family movie night, enjoy some downtime, and take time to breathe and appreciate the break from backpack checks and homework hassles! Structure is important, but unstructured time is also great for imagination and growth!
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