Summer Routines

Dear Nanette,

Preschool and soccer are done, summer is just starting, and already there seems to be chaos in the household. I feel like I’m going in five directions at once, but nothing seems to be accomplished. Please help me.
Disorganized Mom

Dear Disorganized,

Even summer needs structure. Children from birth through age six thrive on order and routines so it is important to have routines even in the summer. Personally, I function better with some structure, and I know that time disappears when I don’t have it.

Some routines should be retained throughout the year. Bedtimes and mealtimes are good examples, but summer routines can be in larger chunks. Rather than a daily schedule, you may opt for a weekly schedule. For example, one day is for the pool, one day for a field trip to a museum, one day for play dates, one day for the library, one day to meet dad or grandma for lunch, etc.

Summer rituals can be different too. You may want to start the day working in the garden and follow that with a cool drink on the patio. You may want to take a walk before lunch and look for different flowers blooming. Perhaps you have a park close by where you could take the children to play or bird watch. Many communities sponsor activities like concerts in the park. My granddaughters come over every week to go to concerts in the park. They have looked forward to it all year.

Sunday evening could be planning the week ahead, and the children can be involved. When you plan ahead and write it down, you have a road map for the week. The children will look forward to the activities, and you won’t be left at the last minute thinking, “What can we do today?”

Enjoy the places you go!