How Families Can Get the Most Out of Summer for Parents and Kids

Summer's here and you don't know what to do with the kids. In the child's mind, summer is magical - full of adventure and fun. For parents, the challenge remains how to keep the kids happy and maintain a work schedule or other normal routine.

Summer Scheduling is Like a Patchwork Quilt

Flexibility is the key to summer scheduling. Challenge yourself to approach the summer without a strict schedule. When opportunities come up, you'll be prepared for them.

If "playing things by ear" is too loose for you, consider blocking out the summer. A block can be a week or even two week period. Another block could be long weekends - Friday to Monday. And even longer blocks are possible, say an entire month.

You can be comforted by the fact that the summer will end and any disruption to your schedule should vanish by September. And your kids will appreciate your flexible approach because, let's face it, their horizon doesn't go out very far. Most children find spur of the moment fun exciting; most parents find it challenging. So this summer, consider committing to being uncommitted and see how it works for you (even if you only schedule one block of flex time).

Fun at Home and Abroad

It is refreshing and relaxing to have the entire family at home, just hanging out together. However romantic this notion is, many kids will become bored quickly. Once the readily identified activities are gone, kids will want new and different experiences.

Summer is a time for kids to explore and enjoy just being kids. So if you find your children wanting more out of their regular summer days, invite over some friends. You can plan a lunch or special event for the children. And if you are bold and daring, try bringing in more than just one friend per child. Just like the classroom relies on the chemistry of several students, your play dates will benefit from this added energy.

When inviting kids over, be sure to set up specific start and stop times for the event. And also, lay down the rules early because then if you have to follow up with a reminder or other disciplinary action, the kids will be prepared. In fact, most parents find that their children obey house rules better when they have friends over.

If you aren't inclined to have kids over, then you can try taking the kids abroad. Outings, with or without friends, are fun for both you and the children. When you are home, you are drawn to the chores and duties. Leave the house, and you are more relaxed and really enjoy spending time with your kids.

You don't want summer fun to blow your whole budget so when planning outings or adventures, look to nature for free fun. Try camping, swimming, hiking, and biking, all those physical activities that kids love.

Try to schedule in a summer vacation - even a few days away, for the whole family, is therapeutic and fun. If you can't spare the money, ask friends or family to borrow their campers, tents, or cottages. Bartering is a fantastic traditional and personal way of trading.

Summer Camp and Other Structured Programs

Many kids really enjoy summer camp because they like making new friends, hanging out with old friends, and also learning new sports, crafts and other activities.

Fortunately, there are summer camp programs for every schedule and budget. Many towns and cities have day programs at very reasonable rates. Other options include programs focused on sports - baseball, soccer, basketball, ballet. And some programs are geared towards young artists, with lessons in drawing, singing, acting, painting, and even ceramics. Then there are the zany camps designed around very specific interests like rockets. And extreme camps exist for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Deciding if your child is ready for overnight camp is a decision made by you and your child. If you're not sure your child is ready for overnight camp, select carefully so you can make the late night trek to pick him/her up.

When it comes to summer expectations, keep them low. Make a commitment to just spending time with your family, in whatever method works for you. Try to build in some adventure through outings, camp, or vacation. And remember, the summer will end all too soon so don't procrastinate - get started, now.