Summer is a complicated season. I long for it to arrive and then I am ready for it to move on out. I welcome the slow mornings and sweet summer evenings; it’s the in-between part of the day (yes, the bulk of the day) that can be a struggle. If you are like me, the idea of outings to public places with your young kids is a bit overwhelming and, honestly, could go really well or be a total disaster. I am in a season where man on man defense is preferred and often required for outings to be enjoyable. If you are familiar with my family dynamic, you know that I am incredibly outnumbered at home. All that to say, I have to get creative! I have come up with some fun ideas for slowing things down at home, saving money, and keeping the day moving.
First of all, create a summer routine. Kids thrive with routines and you can create a simple or extravagant routine for your summer, whichever works best for your family. I don’t plan out every minute of our day, but my kids know there are certain things to expect every day: rest time after lunch, at least 20 minutes of reading (stopwatches make this more fun and create autonomy), and screen time during meal prep/transitions. These little routines allow time for me to take a breath, change the laundry, exercise, read, accomplish a quick task, etc.
I try to plan at least one activity for every day - one thing I know my kids can look forward to so I’m not grasping to frantically search for something for them to do or continually turning on the TV. Fun daily activity ideas include: create your own ice cream sundaes, family game night, camping or setting up a tent inside, playdates with friends, a new craft (sewing, creating with clay, weaving with yarn, watercolor painting, new playdoh/homemade playdough, afternoon fort complete with popcorn and movie, family dinner with another family. (Pro tip: keep a disposable table cloth on hand for all crafting.) Start a new chapter book to read aloud or a movie series to do together. One random thing that my kids are loving is planning celebrations (4th of July, celebrating good choices, etc). You really don’t need a big reason to celebrate with kids! My big kids (ages 8 and 6) love making signs, helping decorate a (boxed) cake and planning an activity for our family or friends.
Feeling adventurous and looking for things to do out of the house? A morning at the zoo or science museum with friends is an undertaking, but my kids love this a few times each summer. (Pro tip: Arrive right when they open at 9 with snacks and lunches in tow.) Pick up pizza or pack sandwiches and head to a playground your kids have never explored before. One of my favorite summer activities is taking the kids to our church playground - it is enclosed, shaded, and has bathrooms nearby…check, check, and check! You can also check out local camps or other local VBSs. I have found that having a couple of bigger events spread out during the summer for my kids to look forward to are very helpful.
Lastly, popsicles. Popsicles are my hail mary for the summer. Woke up cranky from a nap? Popsicle. Hot from playing outside? Popsicle. Leftover smoothies? Make popsicles. Need to run an errand? The promise of popsicles afterwards. Just need a minute? Give your kid a popsicle! I keep a variety of our favorite store bought and homemade popsicles in the freezer at all times. I also make homemade popsicles from water and drink mixes, leftover smoothies, baby food pouches. Let your kids be involved in the process and it’s an activity to do together.
Summer can be a sweet season of slowing down and really getting to see the unique personalities in your family blossom. Leave room for creativity, learning and time to be bored. I truly believe that summer is a gift from God. Even though it can be stressful at times, it is a sweet time of living life with those around us. Deep breath, you’ve got this.
Meet the Author!
Casey Yates is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and speech-language pathologist. She spends most of her time with her four young children but works as a pediatric speech-language pathologist a few hours a week. At CRBC, Casey serves in the Breakfast Club, Worship Team and Women's Ministry Leadership Team. Casey loves all things Christmas, reading a good book, walking with a friend, pie and coffee. Lots of coffee.
