The end of school brings mixed emotions for moms across the country. Without the free time you gain by sending your children to school, your days are now filled by entertaining your kids all day, every day. Bring the sole source of organization and entertainment for your bored kids is enough to give you anxiety about the two long months of summer stretching before you. Summer doesn't have to be stressful; with extensive planning summer can be relaxing for both you and your kids.
Summer Programs
Parks and recreation departments often offer summer programs for children who aren't in school. Summer camp, day camps, lessons and other classes are often offered for free or for a small fee to those living in your community. Visit your community center to find out which programs are offered and allow your children to each choose one program to join for the summer. Registering your kids for a summer program gives them something to look forward to and gives you some time to yourself.
Planned Activities
Spending long summer days at home often renders children cranky and easily annoyed by each other. Since you're a parent and not a referee, put a stop to the cabin fever fights by planning regular trips out of the house. Day trips needn't be expensive. A trip to a local farm, free art museum, splash pad or lake gives your children time to expend their energy so you spend less time breaking up fights and feeling frustrated. List out the free and low-cost venues in your area so you have an arsenal of suggestions at the ready.
Daily Routine
Too often summertime is used as an excuse to throw the daily routine out the window in favor of late nights and late mornings. Unfortunately, this has the potential to lead to tired kids, cranky parents and a miserable summer. Whenever possible, stick to your usual routine to ensure that both you and your children get the rest you need. When school starts back, you and your kids will already be in the same routine to avoid any difficult transition period.
Time Out for Mom
Make arrangements to give yourself a break during the summer. Anxiety happens when you feel frazzled, tired and unappreciated. Hiring a mother's helper to watch your kids while you read a book or pay bills gives you an opportunity to focus on just one thing at a time. If you can't get away, arrange for a babysitting swap or play date with a friend. Even if you both brings your kids to the park, you get adult interaction while your children wear themselves out for a productive, stress-free day.
