As summer break rolls around, many moms find themselves a bit conflicted balancing the joy of having their kids at home with the daunting task of keeping them entertained.
As an adult, you’re still juggling work commitments while now also trying to ensure your kids aren’t glued to screens all day. But fear not!
Greater Houston Counseling Services (GHCS) has some solutions for you in this second blog of our “Welcome to Motherhood” series.
We are here to help you learn that summer break can be a fantastic opportunity for fun and learning. With some planning, you can make this a memorable summer for your children without overwhelming yourself.
Here are 7 tips to ensure everyone has a great time this summer and any summer every summer thereafter!
1. Plan a Mix of Activities
Balance is key when planning your summer. Mix educational activities with plenty of fun. Museums, science centers, and libraries often have summer programs that are both informative and entertaining. These visits can break the monotony of routine while providing learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Pro-tip: Look for free or low-cost days many museums have them and they also tend to be the less busy days making it just a tad less stressful to be out with the kiddos.
2. Encourage Independence with Sleepovers
Sleepovers can be a great way for kids to build independence and social skills. Whether it’s with cousins or close friends, planning a few sleepovers during the summer break can give you a breather while your kids create lasting memories.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to rotate among parents, so everyone gets a night off!
3. Spend Quality Time with Grandparents
Summer break is the perfect time for children to bond with their grandparents. Whether they live nearby or a short drive away, scheduling regular visits can be beneficial for both the kids and their grandparents. This intergenerational bonding is precious and can be incredibly rewarding. Grandparents visits not an option? The same works for aunts and uncles. Close ones of course the goal isn’t to send your kids away to a stranger’s house but to create space in the summer (when they have all the time in the world) to get those visits in.
4. Get Outdoors
The outdoors is a fantastic playground providing endless exploration and adventure opportunities. Plan trips to local parks, beaches, or trails. Activities like hiking, biking, or even a simple picnic can be refreshing for the whole family.
5. Foster Creativity at Home
Set up a creativity corner in your home where kids can draw, paint, craft, or build. Stock it with all the necessary supplies and let their imaginations run wild. This can be a peaceful retreat for children to express themselves artistically.
6. Embrace Local Events
Check out local event calendars for family-friendly activities. Festivals, workshops, and outdoor concerts are common during summer and can be a lot of fun for the whole family.
7. Consider Our Summer Break Day Camp
Finally, a summer camp can be a wonderful way for kids to learn new skills, meet new friends, and for your peace of mind. GHCS offers a Summer Break Day Camp for your children’s summer break needs. We offer structured activities that are both fun and educational. Kids return from camp with increased independence, enhanced social skills, and sometimes, new hobbies.
Summer break is a season of opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and make new memories. Keeping kids entertained and engaged can be challenging, but with these strategies, you’re well on your way to a successful summer. Whether through sleepovers, time spent with grandparents, or a stint at summer camp, the possibilities are endless. Remember, the goal is to make this summer enriching for them but still manageable for you. Let’s transform your dreaded summer break into the most exciting one yet, enjoyable for the whole family!