My love/hate relationship with summer is just about to begin again, but this year I am committed to managing the stress, and the whining from the my little people.
Two months, three kids and two “attempting to work from home” parents can make for an ugly scene come the 3rd week of July; unless, of course, you are prepared. Here are a few tips to “make it till September” and (potentially) enjoy the summer break we have been given with our munchkins.
1. Schedule Your Days
Just because THEY are off on summer break, doesn’t mean I am, so to balance out the day and ensure everyone gets what they need I create a simple timeline for the day.
Morning starts with a list of “bored jobs” (i.e.: you can choose to play, or if you need something to do, here are some suggestions)
After breakfast we negotiate… what do THEY want to do, and what do I NEED to do. We set timelines for both of us (i.e.: we will hit the lake at 2pm, or hike in the morning, but be home by lunch)
Afternoon: Hopefully the plan is in action, and all needs are met
Dinner time: I cook, OR play… there is no chance I can do both. So if they want play, they need to pitch in on chores and cooking.
Ok, so it may seem more like I am negotiating with terrorists, or bartering with my jailers, but in the ned, everyone gets what they need, and since our expectations are clearly laid out, there should be less whining (and fewer screaming matches) because of it.
2.Get GeoCaching
If you haven’t geocached yet, this is the summer to start. Geocaching is hiking, with a goal! Using a GPS, or following directional tips, you explore to find a cache of fun items that appeal to all ages. We know a few of our favourite geocaching locations, and it is always exciting for the kids when we hit these trails.
But, always remember to bring a few items along with you. In a geocache spot, if you take something, you add something back!
We love adding in a stash of small toys, or kinder eggs! I mean, what child wouldn’t be thrilled to find a Kinder egg in the middle of the forest, hidden beneath a rickety bridge! That is the way to keep kids energied for a hike!
3. Slow It Down
Much like the kids have work to complete before summer hits, so do you. If you are an entrepreneur like me be sure to plan your schedule so that the summer months are more maintenance that project launch.
By having less on your work plate, you have my mental space available to devote to the kids, summertime and sprinkler parties. Figure out what you can multi task, and when you are most needed, and make sure that you use your time wisely… otherwise by the end of August you won’t just be exhausted, you will be broke from lost clients.
4. Make Chores Fun
Something I say almost every day of summer break is “Just because it is summer, doesn’t mean the chores disappear” Running a farm there is ALWAYS something that needs doing, but in the heat, on a summers day, these jobs are NOT the first on the list.
So, we make it “summer fun”
Dirty Negotiating: Mucking out the chicken coop = 3 refills of your water gun. For a water wise family this is a BIG deal, and worth getting mucky and dirty in a smelly coop to earn the reward.
No Bake Dessert Challenge – we will task our older kids to whip up a few easy no bake treats for dessert. Not only does this keep them busy, and create some tasty snacks for later, but we have a rule that if you bake; you clean the kitchen! Win-win for mom!
Match for the Win: Take a basket full of unmatched sox (you know you have one) dump it on the floor and have the kids match to win. Every pair gets a point, or the winner walks away with the big prize! This takes seconds to set up and will cut HOURS off your day!
And, everyone will have their sock drawer refilled.
Whatever your plans for summer, do what you can to survive and make it through. Balance, bribery and perhaps a few days off where you submit to their whims!
Just be sure to train them early, and set the rules on the FIRST day, otherwise by the middle of July, your home will be channeling the chaos from the Lord of the Flies.
Oh, and be sure to grab a few boxes of the new Kinder Minions eggs! There are 11 different minions to collect, these small snacks are great treat to get the kids on your side!
