Scheduling for a Successful Summer
School is out and summer is here! It’s the time when parents of small children look for ways to keep their kids occupied, entertained, and productive through those long summer days. Because children typically operate by routine throughout most of the calendar year, the summer months—although technically “vacation” time—tend to pose a challenge for parents and kids alike.
Summer offers children a time to relax and recharge after the long school year and constant mental stimulus. They count the weeks down to summer break, readying themselves for a reprieve from academic study and a regimented schedule. Early mornings, followed by six to seven hours of school, homework, and chores almost feels like a full-time job. However, children thrive on this type of structure and consistency and can find themselves struggling with the loss of routine when summer hits. The predictability of their day-to-day lives during the school year provides a comfort and stability they are hardly conscious of—until it goes away. During the summer, sleep schedules are interrupted, mealtimes can be inconsistent, kids often don’t know what to do with their time, and motivation to be productive will often diminish. All of these can negatively affect a child’s mood and cause frustration for parents. Creating a summer schedule can help everyone feel focused and supported.
Shaping a Summer Schedule
When planning your summer schedule, begin with a low-pressure routine that is based on core consistencies spread across the day, rather than a hard daily itinerary that leaves little room for flexibility. Start by maintaining regular waking hours, mealtimes, and bedtimes. Keep up daily hygiene habits and set expectations around chores and household responsibilities. Also add in blocks for screen time, physical activity, and educational play. Examples can include:
- Morning cartoons, limited tablet or computer time, or early evening movie
- Outdoor play, bike riding, swimming, family walk
- Reading, crafting, drawing, puzzles, Legos, etc.
You can also look up activities outside of your home to add variety to your day and help keep your child engaged. Many public recreational spots offer special hours, events, and discounts to attract kids and families on summer break.
- Libraries
- Day camps
- Parks
- Museums
- Local splash pads
Considering the needs and goals you have for your children, a well-balanced summer day schedule may look something like this:
- Morning Routine (1 hour)
- Wake up at a consistent time each day, make beds, and eat breakfast
- Brush teeth, wash face, comb hair
- Change to play clothes
- Simple Chores (30 minutes)
- Mental Engagement Activity (1 – 1.5 hours)
- Outdoor & Active Play (minimum 60 minutes, up to 2 hours)
- Lunch (at a consistent hour)
- Free time for activity of choice (1 – 1.5 hours)
- Screen Time (maximum 60 minutes)
- Ensure parental controls are in place and that gadgets are turned off well before bedtime to support better sleep
- Dinner (at a consistent hour)
- Wind Down & Bedtime Routine
- Start a calming routine 1 hour before bedtime to help kids regulate and fall asleep faster.
- Use this window for family time and relaxation
- Set consistent bedtimes to keep sleep schedules consistent
Providing a structure but allowing children the freedom to choose the activity helps to ensure that they adhere to and welcome the routine. The types of activities they engage in can differ from day to day but still stay within the construct of your schedule. To help keep your child on task and aware of what’s next, create a visual schedule of the summer routine. Some children may respond well to a checklist with boxes to check off completed activities, and smaller children may even benefit from supplemental pictures.
Healthy = Happy
An important component for implementing a summer schedule is maintaining a balanced, healthy diet. While summer events are usually accompanied by seasonal treats like ice cream, hot dogs, s’mores, chips, and other “junk” food, making healthy options available will help to avoid overindulgence. Try these tips:
- Stick to a meal schedule; avoid all-day snacking by sticking to set breakfast, lunch, and dinner times.
- Keep seasonal summer fruits and veggies on hand (like berries, watermelon, and cucumbers) that offer both nutrition and hydration.
- Prepare snacks that are easy to grab, like yogurts, pre-cut veggies, string cheeses, and whole grain crackers.
Keeping your home stocked with healthy options is key to maintaining a balanced diet for your children, ensuring they get proper nutrition and avoiding sugar-crashing from the occasional summer treat.
A predictable and structured routine offers so many benefits for parents and children by providing clear expectations, encouraging healthy activities, promoting independence, and supporting a balanced, happy, and fun-filled summer!
