20 days. We have 20 days until school ends for my kids, who are 14, 12, and 6 years old. I always feel relief and slight dread at the idea of summer. Without a plan, the older kids in our family would probably only do two things – sleep and play video games. Without a plan, they will probably get away with it! Here’s how we’re planning for a slow (and sane) summer rhythm.
Vision for the Summer
You know how some people have a word for the year? Take a minute to think about what your word (or words) will be for the summer. When I closed my eyes and thought about what kind of summer I’m hoping for our family, these words came to mind: peaceful, fulfilling, and fun. What kind of summer rhythm will support the intention to have a peaceful, fulfilling and fun summer?
Have you thought about picking a word for your summer? #summerplanning #momlife #summerrhythm Click To TweetI’m asking my children to also think about what they want for the summer. In our house, when Labor Day approaches, there is always a loud groan that “summer is almost over” and they didn’t get to do X. I asked the kids to think about:
- What will make your summer feel fulfilling when you look back on it?
- What do you want to make sure that you do on a daily and weekly basis?
- What is a project/interest that you want to work on throughout the summer?
We tried this last summer and it worked well to give us a framework for the days.
A Daily Summer Rhythm
The best and worst part about summer is the lack of a predictable schedule. We’ve decided as a family that we’ll do things on a daily basis (especially before screen time):
- read
- write
- time outside
- create
- tidy
- work on a project or skill
A Weekly Summer Rhythm
We’re also planning on doing things on a weekly basis:
- trip to the library (to have plenty of things to read)
- water play (swimming/beach/spray garden/our backyard)
- local hike
What will your daily and weekly summer rhythm be for yourself and your children? #summerplanning #summerrhythm #momlife Click To Tweet
Will all of these things happen on a daily basis? It’s certainly possible, but they probably won’t happen every day. They certainly won’t happen every day in the same way or the same time, and that’s okay.
Our intention is to have a summer that will be fulfilling to all of us individually and as a family. Planning and communicating about what that will look like is the first step to a great summer.
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What will your word or words be for the summer? Do you have a daily and weekly rhythm or schedule?
Free Printable for Setting your own personal Summer Rhythm
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Angela, good thinking and Mom-thermostat setting to control home, family, having some structure first as parents so the kids don’t just veg
And be lazy or addicted to only TV or other screens.
“Without a plan My People perish”! Just this morning I thought about my schedule and what busy efficient folks do to get the most miles out of days.?
Hi Marte! Yes, it’s a struggle these days with all the technology! I’ve been listening to a great “summit” on productivity that I’m learning a lot from. I’ll be blogging about some of the things I learned from these busy and efficient folks!
Good for you!
Getting the kids involved and on board is essential!
Did you pick those blueberries?? I picked some for the first time, 2-3 weeks ago!!
This is such a good idea! We have one toddler who thrives on having a schedule and another who doesn’t know she needs one, so we’ll definitely have to do something like this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Abby. I love the fact that a rhythm can be personalized to a child or a family. It’s very flexible but still provides some structure!
I love the idea of setting a word for the summer. I have a word for the year (in lieu of a new year’s resolution), and it’s really driving my goals and intention, but never even thought about setting one for the season. It’s a wonderful suggestion and I’ll definitely be doing this as the summer starts. Thank you for sharing, Angela! Visiting you from Tuesday Talk
Hi Maria! I’m so glad it resonated with you! I actually do not have a word for the year, but do want to choose one or two to set the tone for the summer.
If I had to pick a summer word it would be – in the moment! Take each day as it comes. I’m a teacher so doing nothing for a couple of months is welcoming. Thanks for sharing on Tuesday Talk.
Thanks Michelle – that sounds like a great phrase/word for the summer, especially for a teacher! I know that teaching requires constant planning, so a break from that alone sounds like an awesome summer.
We have a summer rhythm. Slow mornings, chores, reading, art and weekly trips to the library. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a blessed weekend. 🙂
That sounds like a wonderful summer rhythm Sarah. Sounds very similar to what we hope to have this summer!
Wow! My kids are grown, but I think this is a great way to approach summer as a family! #overthmoon
Thanks Cathy!
Angela – you can really enjoy Summer so much more when you take it slow and easy. It’s hard to let go of a set schedule but once you do you’re able to take it all in and relax! Beautiful post! Happy Summer!:)
Happy summer to you too Ilka! I hope you have a relaxed and wonderful summer.
I love the concept of summer rhythm. It sounds like a great summer plan. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday.
Thank you Sherry! Hope you have a great summer.
I love the idea of asking the kids what would make their summer feel fulfilling. It can be so easy to get started with bucket lists of activity after activity. That can get so tiring. But focusing on one or two big things to do really hones in on what the kids want out of summer.
Love this idea. This reminds me of all the reasons why I love summer. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! Visiting from http://www.twelveonmain.com
Thanks Sara. I hope you have a wonderful summer!