Your guide to summer schedules for your kids!

I know that summer can feel overwhelming for many of us mom’s because school is out and days can seem long and exhausting.

I have days like this as well, but overall I really love being a stay-at-home mom in the summer.  There are so many free events and as someone who needs an insane amount of vitamin D to stay happy, I am in my element during this season.  I totally believe kids need structure and a schedule (even if a loose one) through the summer days.  My kids love knowing what to expect and look forward to.  This also helps me feel like my house isn’t complete chaos.

Every summer I put together a schedule to help us stay productive and have fun as well.  Here are some ideas that can help you do the same.  I know times vary for everyone so here is our traditional schedule:

• Morning (8-10am): Breakfast/Get dressed/ Morning chores
• Late Morning (10-12am) : Go do an activity (Listed below)
• Lunchtime (noon)
• Afternoon (1-3pm): Nap time/Reading time
• Late Afternoon (3-4pm): School workbook
• Early Evening (4-5) : Dinner prep/ Kids can watch a show
• Evening (5-7pm): Dinner/ Family time
• Late Evening (7-8pm): Family devotions/ Baths/ Bedtime routines
• Bedtime is 8 for the baby & 9 for the big boys

After that is mommy & daddy free time!! Whoop! Whoop!

Here is what I do for the “school work” part of the day.  I have the kids work on their workbooks for one hour and, I help them with any new concepts.  After many years of trying to find good workbooks that would challenge them, I found ” The Summer Bridge” workbooks.  They are available for ages K-8th and they literally “bridge” the grades, so they review some older concepts and start newer ones so that they are prepared for the next year.  They are sold in many stores, but Amazon seems to be the cheapest.  I only put up a few links below, but you can search for whatever grades you need.

As far as the weekdays go.  We get out almost EVERY SINGLE DAY, whether to the park or meeting up with a friend for a play date.

This keeps me sane.

Here are some ideas but, you can change them to fit your family and your kids interest:

Make it Monday: We will do some type of craft, and I’ll simplify it for the baby.  I use Pinterest often for ideas but, you can also get easy craft books at any store with ideas or cutouts. Here is one that we use.  It’s cheap and easy for all ages and all you need are a pair of scissors & some glue or tape.

Time to Read Tuesday: We will head to our local library for summer programs and to stock up on some new reading selections.  Every local library has one and, many give your child a free book or other various treats when they complete it.

What’s cooking Wednesday: We will cook or bake a new recipe.  I want my boys to grow up and, learn how to be a help to their wives and also be able to take care of themselves, so this is a great opportunity.

Take a trip Thursday: I will plan a fun field trip for this day.  There are so many free activities that take place during the summer for all age ranges and, we have many local websites that list all of the options for that day so, I subscribe to many of those.  All you have to do is google “free summer activities” in your area and, you will find a variety of sites.

Fun Friday: This is a kid’s choice day where they get to pick an activity they want to do! I just alternate it between my boys.

This is more of a guideline when we do not have a plan.  We are very flexible, and add in some play dates with friends.

Some days are also “water days” where we play outside in the sprinklers and with water toys.

I use nap/quiet time to catch up on cleaning, housework, laundry & blogging or whatever else is on my personal to-do list.  My older kids usually don’t nap during that time but, are required to read a book for one hour in their rooms. I usually let them pick one day of the week where they can just quietly watch a movie during that time.  This time just as beneficial for them as it is for me.

I hope this gives you some guidance & ideas as I know when summer starts some of us can feel like a fish out of water and, we just need some ideas to get us on track.  I hope you all have a fantastic summer!

For more summer related articles, check out “10 super cheap things to do with your kids this summer.”

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