Summer vacation is upon us! It can feel like ages until the next school year starts, especially when it comes to taking care of little ones. One of the best ways to get through the summer is to have a set routine. Kids thrive on routine! Giving your kids a routine will help them, and you, have a smooth summer.
Morning Routine
Wake Up: Have a consistent wake-up time for your kids. They certainly don’t need to be woken up as early as they do for school, but having the same wakeup time can help your little ones body maintain a predictable schedule. Keep your regular routine of getting dressed, brushing their teeth, etc… Summer is the perfect time to help your kids learn to do things independently. Without the rush of school, kids can have time to learn to pick out their own clothes, dress themselves, or make their bed in the morning.
Breakfast: Let the kids help make breakfast! Even children as young as 18 months can learn to help in the kitchen. Teach your little ones how to cut simple things like fruit. Teach them how to crack eggs and pour milk or juice! Let breakfast be a fun activity to start the day. HERE are some great products for your kids in the kitchen.
Morning Activity: Texas weather is unpredictable, except in the summer. We can always count on one thing: HEAT. Morning time in Texas is the best time to plan an outdoor activity. This is the time of day to get your kids outside to play, take them to a local park or splash pad!
Afternoon Routine
Lunch: Help your kid learn to make their own lunches! For those kiddos who take their lunch to school, use this summer to teach them how to pack their own lunch. Focus on identifying fruits, vegetables and protein your child can easily prepare on their own. Working on independence over the summer can help during the school year.
Nap/Quiet Time: While many of our kiddos might have outgrown their naps, having a designated part of the day to wind down is always a good idea. Take that time after lunch for your little kids to nap, and for the big kids to independently play. Encourage them to read books from their reading list or play something on their own. Boredom is a great thing for kids. Give your kids time to think of something on their own while you get a break.
Afternoon Activity: With the Texas heat, outdoors in the afternoon is good for swimming, and not much else. If your kids would like to play outdoors, be sure to check the air quality report for that day, make sure they have sunscreen, and are well hydrated! This is a great time of day to plan playdates, go to indoor play areas, or work on a project together.
Evening Routine
Dinner: It can be hard for to sit down together and enjoy dinner as a family. In the summer, as our schedules naturally slow down, it is a great time to have family meals. Encourage your kids to get involved in the clean-up process! If they can reach the sink, they can wash a plate!
After dinner activity: As it is summer, there is so much fun to be had together as a family! After dinner as the sun is setting, it is another great time to go outside. Throw the ball around, go on a walk, or stay in the house and have a summer movie marathon!
Bed-time Routine: While bedtimes might get more lax in the summer time, it is always good to still have a routine and a designated bed time. Stick to your normal bath-time and bed-time rituals. Summer is fun but between the heat and activities, getting rest is super important for your little ones.
Work on Milestones!
Summer is a great time for working on milestones for your little ones. Work on potty training, getting rid of the pacifier, moving to a big kid bed, or tying their shoes. For the older children work on learning to ride a bike, to swim, play chess, or building a bird house!
We all loved those summers filled with fun and freedom. But having a plan will help ease those endless summer days.