As the school year was coming to an end, the familiar panic of "What am I going to do with the kids this summer?" started to set in. As the primary parent at home, I could already envision days filled with fights and yelling matches, excessive screen time, and staying up way too late. The potential chaos of summer became an ongoing fear, with the thought of my 10-year-old and 8-year-old locked in sibling battles for weeks on end.
Instead of allowing fear to take over, I decided it was time to come up with a plan. I was determined to find something that any parent could do, regardless of their budget (or lack thereof), and something that could provide structure. After some research online, I stumbled upon a Pinterest page that suggested theming days of the week. I loved the idea and adapted it to fit our specific needs. This plan wasn't meant to be rigid, but rather to ensure that every day brought something different. It also allowed us to maintain some academic focus without losing ground during the summer break.
As a parent, having this light structure not only helps me keep my sanity but also gives me the opportunity to focus on my own interests. Everyone thrives when expectations are clear! And with just a few days into this new routine, I can confidently say that our summer is off to a great start. The best part is that even when we go on vacation, we can stick to this format and maintain our routine.
Here's a glimpse into our "Adventurous Avery Summer of Fun - 2023": Each day begins with breakfast, vitamins, chores, and a bit of cartoon or screen time. In our family, everyone helps out! The kids are responsible for feeding and watering the dogs, loading and unloading the dishes, bringing dirty clothes to the laundry, and putting away clean clothes. They also need to keep their rooms (relatively) clean, empty the garbage from their rooms and bathroom, and take charge of restocking the toilet paper and paper towels in the house. These are small tasks that teach them the importance of responsibility and helping out, while also keeping them in a morning routine to prevent them from sleeping in too late.
From approximately 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., we focus on the activity of the day. Evenings are reserved for outdoor play, games, quality family time, and reading. We encourage our kids to read every day, and to lead by example, the adults in the family also engage in reading during this time.
Reading, games, music, and nature time are our family priorities. Of course, other families have their own preferred activities. The ultimate goal is to achieve family peace and happiness, so we engage in a variety of things that cater to both individual and group interests. This guide is meant to inspire you, so feel free to tailor it to your own family's preferences and make it your own.
Here's a breakdown of our themed days: Monday - Maker Monday: A day dedicated to creativity and hands-on projects. We encourage the kids to explore their artistic side, try DIY crafts, or engage in any other activities that allow them to create something unique. Tuesday - Take a Tour Tuesday: We embark on adventures around our local area or even within our own home. This day is all about exploring and discovering new places, whether it's a museum, park, historical site, or even a virtual tour. Wednesday - Wonderful Water(fall) Wednesday: We beat the summer heat by spending the day near water. It could be a trip to a nearby beach, a visit to a water park, or simply enjoying a water-themed activity in our own backyard. Thursday - Thoughtful Thursday: This day is all about giving back and practicing acts of kindness. We engage in community service projects, volunteer work, or simply find ways to spread positivity and help others. Friday - Fun Friend Friday: We make it a day to invite friends over for playdates or organize outings with other families. It's a chance for the kids to socialize and have fun with their friends while fostering those important social connections. Saturday - Sleepover Saturday: We indulge in the excitement of a sleepover, even if it's just within our own family. We set up tents in the backyard, watch movies, tell stories, and enjoy a night filled with bonding and laughter. Sunday - Serene Sunday: This day is dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. We prioritize self-care activities such as yoga, meditation, nature walks, or simply spending quality time as a family, doing whatever brings us peace and tranquility.
Remember, the most important thing is to find what works for your own family and brings you peace and happiness. Use this guide as a starting point, and feel free to modify and customize it to suit your unique circumstances and interests. Have a fantastic summer filled with fun, growth, and precious family moments!
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