Summer is a kid’s favorite time of the year. No homework, no teachers, and, best of all, no rules!

Even though it’s good for kids to have a break from the rigors of the classroom, they still need some structure, otherwise the chaos they create is likely to make you go insane.

To help you out, here are several tips to help us moms survive the summer. Hopefully, these tips help you get through lazy, crazy days of summer.

1.  Get Outside Without Electronics

Video games and other forms of “screen time” are almost unavoidable today. So, rather than trying to eliminate video games, try instead to limit the amount of time your kid spends playing them per day. Usually, about an hour a day is good but you’ll need to figure out what’s best for you and your family.

The best part is, video game time is usually quiet time. So make sure you use that to relax or check things off your own to do list. That way, maybe you’ll even learn to enjoy it when they play video games.

2.  Organize Play Dates

Play dates are essential for moms during the summer. They allow you to either join forces with another mom, or take a break while your kids get dropped off at someone else’s house for an afternoon.

Either way, it’s a win, win for you.

3.  Have a Summer Routine

During the summer, it’s easy to listen to your kids when they beg you to let them sleep in, sit in front of the tv for hours, and eat whenever they feel like. But in those cases, usually no one comes out a winner. You know, for as much as kids hate routines, it’s really good that they have one.

This is especially true during the summer, when they don’t have school structuring their day.

4.  Don’t let your kids shut off their brains

No matter how much your kids fight you on it, make them turn on their brains throughout the summer. You don’t have to give them homework but reading for 30 minutes every day will go a long way.

Or go to your local library and check out the summer reading programs they may have available. Reading is a great way to engage them, grow their minds and it makes for great conversations around the dinner table.

5.  Play!

Nothing’s worse than watching your kids have all the fun during the summer. So, instead of watching them run through the sprinklers or listening to them giggle, join them!

That means, don’t be afraid to put on a swimsuit and run through the sprinkler or take part in whatever silly game they’re playing. You’ll enjoy your summer way more this way and, better yet, so will your kids.

6.  Sign Kids up for Camps They’re Interested In

Camps are a great way for kids to get out of the house, socialize with others, and develop hobbies and skills. Just make sure that you don’t sign them up for camps that will cause them to kick and scream when you’re dropping them off.

Athletic camps can be great to keep them moving and learn about teamwork. If one or all of your children aren’t the ra – ra sports types, sign them up for an arts and crafts class or check out nature preserves to see what they offer.

7.  Summer ‘Childproof’ Your Home

Yes, that means it’s time to bust out the linens and towels your aunt bought you as a wedding present. Sure, you can’t stand them, but wouldn’t you rather ruin them than ruin the linens that you actually care about?

During the summer kids are a magnet to dirt—they’re constantly covered in it. Lay a towel out at each major entrance to your home so they can wipe off grass and mud after they have a fun afternoon running around.

The same goes for other nice items. Instead of glass cups, pick up some cheap plastic ones that won’t break, so you don’t care if they’re taken outside.

8.  Simplify Menu

The number of meals necessary to create goes way up during the summer, so it’s best to refrain from trying to become a gourmet chef during this time period.

Instead, focus on fun and easy meals, especially ones that they can do with you. Grill out for a night or pull out leftovers from the fridge and pantry to make DIY burrito bowls.

For additional snack hacks, click here.

Summer can be a difficult time for a mom. You went from having hours by yourself everyday to having little time alone. But, if you utilize the tips outlined in this article, you’re sure to get through the summer a little easier and possibly be sad when summer ends, just like your kids.

 

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