Summer is here and schedules for kids are more important than ever.
Very often, school ends and all consistency and time frames for the day go out the window. Kids run a muck and live a carefree, responsibility-free summer. Parents feel badly because the school year brings so much structure, that they think their kids should leave the stress of schedules behind. Stop the nonsense. The whole world runs on schedules for a reason, and a kid’s life should be no different.
Reality is, life without schedules and responsibility can lead to more stress and time wasted doing nothing productive. Without direction, kids can lose motivation, energy and get moody for no reason. Simply put, kids need something to do too. When kids are put on a schedule, they get into a routine and routines simply make life easier for everyone involved.
Enter the Summer Schedule! Although not the same as the school year, still packed full of things that need to get done to keep your child thriving and growing while school is out.
When creating your summer schedule (or any schedule for that matter), make sure your kids are thoroughly involved in the decision making process. Sit down with your kids and come up with a to-do list for every day that needs to be included in the schedule. Then set up the times to get it all done. Obviously, relaxation and play time plays a big part in the summer, so don’t leave it out.
First on the schedule… Wake Up & Bedtime. Yes this can be a bit later than they get up for school, but not too late. If you give your kids a free range bedtime and wake up time, you’ll find when it’s time to head back to school, they will have a really hard time adjusting. In addition, when people (and that includes kids), follow a set bedtime and wake time, it is proven that they enjoy a better night’s sleep.
Second, make sure you include all meals, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Other additions, and of course you and your kids can set up your own list according to your needs. I’ll tell you what is on our Summer Schedule at home for my two Grandkids (9 & 5 years) that live with me. Our Schedule is shown here on the right.
Items we include: Straightening the Bedroom, Personal hygiene (teeth, baths, etc), Summer Schoolwork and Reading, Video Game/Computer Time, Household chores (each child has one a day), Gratitude Journal & Personal Development Time, Summer Classes.
So you can see that our day is full and the kids are able to get a lot done in the morning and then they have almost a full afternoon of fun and games.
When kids help create their own schedules they are more likely to stick with it. Keep in mind, all days will not run strictly to the schedule, so a certain amount of flexibility needs to be allowed. Also, there are things like vacations, lessons, camp, etc. that may alter the schedule. However, if you stick to the schedule on most days throughout the summer months, you will make your life and their lives much better. Plus, you’ll have a lot less “I’m Bored!”, statements coming out of your kid’s mouths.
Let me know what you did to create your schedule, along with additions that you found helpful.
If this post was helpful to you, comment below and let’s help some more parents! Feel free to share this with anyone who is looking for a bit of help with the kids and their peace of mind.
Peace, Love & Laughter!
Celia Kibler
Email: celia@celiakibler.com
Let’s raise happy and healthy parents & kids together!
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