5 Parenting Tips for Summertime

As a parent of littles, the end of school can bring so many emotions, stressors, and planning that needs to be done to make the transition from the school year to summertime as seamless as possible. So, what can parents do to release some anxiety, truly enjoy those last few weeks of the school year, and feel 100% prepared for the summer?

Create a Countdown – Some schools will do this for you. For example, with 26 days left in the school year, the elementary school in our area started an alphabet countdown. They created an activity for each letter of the alphabet on each day leading up to the last one. This would mean that O day could be Outdoor Learning Day. It’s a fun idea, and the kids get excited each day. However, the countdown shouldn’t create more stress for you, so keep it simple.

Keep the Routine – Kids (and some adults) flourish with a routine, so don’t throw them off. Keep everyone on track. Think of a scenario where the bedtime routine is upended. Whether from a timing standpoint or not reading the usual 68 books before bed, little ones might get confused or not go to bed as comfortably as normal. By sticking to a routine, you’re putting your children in a spot to succeed, and your sanity in a spot to thrive.

Sign up for Summer Camp – Summer camp is a great way to stay social and keep a structured schedule throughout the summer months. It provides a platform for your child to make new friends and opportunities for skill development in various areas. There are so many different types of camps out there from sports, STEM, art, music, you name it, most areas have options that will keep your kids engaged. Pro tip: make sure you sign up early and budget for it because most camps will fill up and might drain your wallet.

Build a Summer Reading List – This helps to keep your child’s mind active. Kids should still be kids, but this helps prevent them from mentally checking out throughout the summer. Tackling a summer reading list should be fun to do, too. Create achievable challenges for them, talk about the books they read, and celebrate their successes.

Get Outside – Piggybacking on keeping their minds active, it's important to keep their bodies active too. Summer is the perfect time to get outside, relieve stress, and burn off energy. By balancing outdoor activities with reading and camp participation, you're ensuring your children have a well-rounded and enjoyable summer.

The summer months can be fun for kids and parents alike, and preparation is your best bet to ensure that it is more fun than pulling your hair out as a parent, especially with these tips in your arsenal. So keep routining, reading, playing, and socializing because those are fun and full summer days.