Summer is right around the corner. No more school, no more grading, and if your kids are in school, no more carpool (this was always the best part). As a homeschooling mom and momtrepreneur, I look forward to summer too, but I still need to work. So what to do for summer? We need to keep the kids occupied during the day, off screen time (but you gotta do what you gotta do, so use it if you need to), while you still keep your sanity.
If you are tired of hearing “Mom, can I…” or “I am soooo bored” or “There’s nothing to do.” Then this post is for you. I asked a number of moms to give me their best sanity saving tips when deciding what to do for summer.
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What to do for Summer: Sanity Saving Tips for Mom
Last year for summer break, I had the kids do book reports, and we did a bit of hybrid school. We do use the summer to review any subjects that may have been difficult to get through during the year.
This year, I won’t be doing book reports, but I think I will have them pick out books to read over the summer. If they have a plan, they are more likely to get it done. Of course, we need a vacation too.
In another stroke of mom genius (you know those great ideas that surprise yourself), I am going to have all the kids pick a class from Skillshare. They can pick what they are interested in, but they will need to spend the summer going through the class.
What to do for Summer, Suggestions from Moms
1. Fun and easy, from Anitra Jackson at Chronicles of a Momtessorian
She has an entire post on keeping kids occupied through the summer that are easy. Yes, we need easy. I think the recipe for flubber might be my favorite one. That will definitely keep them occupied for a while. You can check out the rest of her recommendations: 5 Fun Easy Activities to Keep Your Children Busy all Summer.
2. Outside fun, from Thought Inspiring
A pool party! You can use an inflatable pool indoors or in the backyard. Throw in a few favorite toys, and mom you can sit back, relax, and watch your kids as the splash around. A hammock or tire swing in the backyard is also a great way to keep the kids occupied for a while. If the weather is not welcoming for outside play then a craft party indoors always keeps little fingers occupied.
3. Nature walks, from Nicole at Behind the Classroom
Over the summer, I always recommend going out for nature walks or kid-friendly hikes. Fresh air and sunshine is so good for everyone’s mental health, plus it can help with sleeping at night for the little ones who are still working on sleeping through.
4. Do Things Together, from Dana Vitolo at Bright Little Owl
I do chores and cleaning with my daughter, like sweeping and laundry during the day together. Even though she will not do an efficient job of cleaning, she can help with her child-sized broom while observing me sweep. I taped a sweeping square with masking tape to help her sweep everything in one place. We also bake and cook together. During my daughter’s nap time or bed time is when I can have time to myself to work on the computer; at this point the chores are all done so I can focus on my work.
Also, a water table is perfect for the summer. We have a water table on the back deck and a water basin inside the house; she can scrub things with soap and water and play sink and float.
5. Hot Summer, from Misty at Life Between Dishes
It’s HOT in Alabama in the summer. Throw in 99% humidity and you’ve got yourself a miserable day outside. We like to do any outside activities early in the day, before it’s too hot to breathe. If we go outside later in the day, it definitely has to include being in the water. We break up our days with little chunks of screen-time. Our favorite inside activities include playing with LEGOs, putting puzzles together, playing Pokémon, and playing Nintendo.
We have snacks readily available and we try to do something creative every day. We also have our alone times, when we can each do our own thing and learn how to be bored. We try to relax and go with the flow as much as possible. My husband and I are both teachers, so summer is our time to decompress and get re-energized. There are no school bells dictating our every move during our summers!
6. Top four summer activities, from Jordan at The Motherly Heap
My four top summer kids activities are biking, homemade playdough, science experiments, and water activities (at the beach, pool, or backyard). Of course, the time you spend with your kids is important, which forges a connection.
7. Summer tips for active toddlers, from Areil at Always Lovin’ Mama
My son is just under two, but he has lots of energy to burn. He’s down to one nap a day, so activities are key! Activities I have been doing since the weather is getting warmer are blowing bubbles, going for walks and heading to the zoo. I plan on getting out of the house often this summer, taking my son biking and to the beach. Indoors, I’m planning on puzzles, blocks, dancing and many more games. My son will also be watching some educational & fun programs.
8. Working mom and summer break, from Rachel Nelson at Approaching Home
It can be difficult to entertain kids when you have work to do! Something I love to do with my two girls, to keep them entertained while also getting things done, is letting them give me a pretend makeover. I can sit on the couch and fold laundry or work on the computer while they work their magic on me!
Since I am sitting pretty still, they are able to paint my toenails, brush, braid, and put clips in my hair, pretend to do my makeup and more, all while I do finances or answer emails.
I love doing this because it gives us a way to play and connect while I multitask. The girls think it is so fun and special to get mom ready for the day. Plus, I love having my hair brushed so it’s a win-win!
9. Make a plan, from Robyn A Dime Saved
Make a plan. I always enjoyed summer because it is relaxed, and you aren’t on a strict schedule, but as a parent that doesn’t work. I plan my summer really well so it will work for us. What weeks we are doing day camp. What weeks are mommy activity weeks. What weeks are for taking trips. What weeks are for hanging around and doing nothing. Plan in advance.
10. Field Trips, from Yvie Field at Homeschool on the Range
Summer time is perfect for field trips, creating costumes, making a movie, or using Legos….it’s about having the time to get the experience and cement learning…
While we take a break from core studies during the summer, each kid usually picks out a couple of ‘fun studies’ for summer learning. These are elective courses that might be shorter than a full semester, or just things we didn’t have time for during the regular year. If you have the flexibility, summer is the perfect time to take a road- school vacation!
Conclusion: Now You Know What to do for Summer
What are your summer plans? You have lots of ideas of what to do for summer break. You can banish the “I’m so bored,” and have plenty to do.
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