Tips to Surviving Summertime with the Kids....

If there’s one phrase that strikes fear in the heart of a lot of parents, it’s this: summer break.

As a kid, there was nothing better than the three months of freedom between May and September. But fast-forward to life as a parent, and June, July, and August can often mean three long months filled with hot days, bored kids, and—if you’re the parent of college students—missed curfew!
Maybe you can relate?

If so, I’ve got some great news for you. Summer break can actually be a great time of learning and growth… even spiritual growth… for your kids. But it won’t just happen. It’s going to take some work on your part.
Now, what’s great is that it’s still spring. That means you’ve got a couple of months to plan ahead!

And while I can’t share everything you might want to consider to make summer the most it can be for your family, Michelle and I do have some helpful steps that might save you and your spouse some stress this coming summer.
The first step is to come up with a plan in advance.

One of the best things you’ll do this spring is to be proactive about what you want the summer months to look like in your home. In other words, define your expectations!

Talk to your spouse and decide what your expectations for your kids are regarding such things as neatness, chores, jobs, curfew, checking in with you, the amount of TV they’ll watch, computer use and video game policy, and summer reading.

That leads us to step number two: schedule a meeting with your kids.

Once you and your spouse have an idea of your expectations, plan a meeting with your kids.

Ask for your children’s input, listen to them, and mirror their feelings. Let them have leeway on the things you don’t care too much about. The more your kids feel like they’re a part of the plan, the more likely they will try to make it successful!

And finally, the third step to surviving summer is to set some general guidelines and be clear about your expectations.

Here are some other suggestions:
*Help your kids plan ahead by asking, “What are some new skills or activities you’d like to try this summer?”

*Allow your kids to contribute to the household by requiring them to do chores. But instead of just arbitrarily assigning chores, give them some options. Although it is often easier to just do it ourselves, chores teach our kids they are part of a family unit where everyone’s contribution is needed and important.

*Plan ahead and have potential consequences in mind. When your kids disobey, instead of lectures and nagging, give consequences consistently and with empathy!

*When they’re bored, instead of making it your responsibility to keep them entertained, ask questions and offer choices that encourage them to entertain themselves. Examples: “What are some things you could do to entertain yourself?” or “You might think about working a puzzle or reading a book. What sounds good to you?”

*Make eating dinner as a family a priority. Resist the urge to quiz them about their responsibilities and focus on making it a relaxed time of sharing. (No cell phones at the dinner table.)

* Encourage sports and outdoor activities. Find out what your kids like to do. Don’t just suggest what interests you!

*Encourage volunteer work, and make it a fun, family project. This helps your kids focus on others.

*By doing your homework before June rolls around, I hope summer will be a time of rest, rejuvenation, and growth for your kids, as well as for you and your spouse!