How do we savor summer all summer long without losing our minds?
My three sons are about to finish school in the next 2 weeks and we’re just now finalizing some logistics about what our summer is going to look and feel like. We still need to have more conversations to figure out how we’re going to set the tone this summer. Whether you’re just starting to think about summer, or done making plans, the posts in here are sure to help you keep your sanity and savor summer with your kids!
Savor Summer while Practicing Self Care
The first step in making sure that you keep your sanity this summer is to decide how you will take care of yourself during the summer months. I love the slower pace of summer, but it can also be a time where your energy and patience are tested (to put it nicely). Make sure to schedule activities that restore you on a daily basis.
5 Ideas for Making Self Care a Priority During the Summer Months
Over 50 Ideas for Self Care…that are FREE! by Faith @ Radical Transformation Project
Ideas for Structuring Your Summer
Second, think about how you want to structure your summer. I’m not talking about by the hour (it is summer after all). There are some great ideas below from a loose daily/weekly schedule, to using a bullet journal, to scheduling “theme days.” Do what works for you and your family at this stage of life.
How to Set a Slow and Sane Summer Rhythm
How to use a Bullet Journal to Save your Sanity this Summer by Tanya @ Moms Small Victories
Summer Sanity Saver for Busy Moms by Rachel @ Smart Mom Smart Ideas
Summer Activity Ideas
Okay – now that we’ve got your self care scheduled in (you didn’t skip that did you!) – and we have a structure for our summer, now it’s time to add in some special activities. Personally, I’m going to be thinking about special family trips that we can schedule; but more importantly, I’m going to be making a list of things that my boys can do independently without an adult.
My youngest is usually awake for hours before my older two teens even get out of bed, so we need a lot of “offline” ideas for him to entertain himself.
11 Simple and Affordable Activities on our Summer Bucket List
100 Kid approved Summer Activities – Rain or Shine! by Leslie @ From Play dates to Parties
38 Summer Activities to Entertain Your Kids by Alison @ Organized Motherhood
Summer Book Reading Suggestions
My boys are avid readers…but only if they have books that they are interested in. This summer I’m doing my research ahead of time and will be reserving a bunch of books from our local library. The two lists below are from two of my favorite unplugged activity bloggers. Because I have older boys, the lists below are geared towards them, but they also have wonderful lists for girls and other age groups!
Addictive Summer Reading Chapter Books for Independent Readers (AGES 7-10) by Erica of What Do We Do All Day?
Books that Boys Love by Sarah at Read Aloud Revival
PIN IT FOR LATER:
Reading is always a preferred activity at my house!!
Ours too! Reading anything good yourself or with your grands?
I also love summer, even here in our hot hot hot Arizona! Every day I’m reminded that my young kids need at least one structured activity, even if it’s pulling out craft supplies and having an “organized” camp-like activity. Visiting from Happy Now party.
Visiting from Inspire Me Monday. Looks like some great ideas.