How to Create a Summer Routine for Kids

Summer break is coming and with it a big change in your daily rituals. Kids will have trouble adjusting to the lack of schedule and organized activities, and you will have trouble adjusting to your kids adjusting. The truth is that summer is associated with relaxation and freedom from schedules, but for working parents that is close to impossible. Having a routine can provide structure and stability for kids during the break and make it easier for parents to manage their time. While establishing a summer routine is essential, it doesn’t have to be rigid. It can be flexible and adaptable to suit your family’s needs and preferences. Make it work for your family. Here are some tips on creating a summer routine that balances fun, learning, and relaxation for your kids.

Set Regular Wake-Up and Bedtime Hours

Even though school’s out, maintaining consistent sleep schedules can help children stay energized and focused during the day. You can change the hours since the kids don’t have to wake up in the morning as early as they need for school while keeping a consistent schedule.

• Wake-Up Time: Decide on a reasonable wake-up time that allows for a leisurely morning routine without feeling rushed.
• Bedtime Routine: If your child is older try to work with them to decide on their new bedtime. This will give them a sense of control and make them more cooperative. Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal to your child that it’s time to wind down. This may include reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to calming music. 

Designate Time for Learning and Enrichment

Summer is an excellent opportunity for kids to explore new interests and continue learning in a relaxed setting.

• Reading Time: Set aside daily time for reading, even 15 minutes a day can help you create a future avid reader. Encourage your child to choose books they enjoy and explore different genres.
• Educational Activities: Plan fun and educational activities such as science experiments, art projects, or nature walks. Visit museums, zoos, or libraries for hands-on learning experiences. We plan to visit at least one museum a week.

Incorporate Physical Activity

Keep kids active and healthy by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine. It can be so easy to stay in cool, airconditioned indoors and relax on the couch, but kids need to move so they don’t get stir-crazy.

• Outdoor Play: Schedule time for outdoor play and exploration. This could include biking, hiking, playing sports, or simply running around in the backyard.
• Structured Activities: You can enrol your child in summer sports camps, swimming lessons, or dance classes to keep them engaged and active. Even if you don’t want to sign them up for classes, you can set up activities with them. For example, Emily and her dad will go to the swimming pool every Sunday for a daughter/daddy date.

Include Chores and Responsibilities

Just because it is summer it doesn’t mean the kids should immediately forget about doing the chores they do through the year. Stay consistent. Teaching children responsibility and the importance of contributing to the household can be part of their summer routine.

• Chore Chart: Create a chore chart with age-appropriate tasks such as picking up the toys, making bed, tidying up their room, helping with meal preparation, or watering plants.
• Daily Responsibilities: Encourage your child to take on daily responsibilities like setting the table for meals or feeding pets. Emily has been helping us to set up the table since she was 3, she just has to stay away from knives. 

Plan Leisure and Relaxation Time

While it’s essential to keep kids engaged, it’s also crucial to allow time for relaxation and downtime.

• Screen Time Limits: Set limits on screen time to encourage other activities like reading, playing outdoors, or creative play. We all know that is close to impossible to survive school breaks without screens, but it is essential to set up a limit. It can become too easy to start relying on them too much.
• Quiet Time: Incorporate periods of quiet time for relaxation and reflection. This could be reading quietly, filling out an activity book, listening to music, or doing a calming activity like coloring or puzzles.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Remember that summer routines should be flexible and adaptable to accommodate vacations, special events, and spontaneous adventures.

• Weekly Planning: Sit down as a family at the beginning of each week to discuss upcoming activities, outings, and goals for the week. Try to encourage everyone to give at least one suggestion so everyone in the family feels heard.
• Adjust as Needed: Be willing to adjust the routine as needed based on your child’s interests, energy levels, and feedback. You could’ve planned the best day ever filled with so many different fun activities, but if your kids are tired and cranky nobody will enjoy that day.

Encourage Independence and Self-Directed Activities

Summer is an excellent time for children to explore their interests and pursue activities they enjoy independently.

• Create a Summer Bucket List: Help your child create a list of activities they want to do or places they want to visit during the summer. Encourage them to take the lead in planning and organizing these activities. Don’t dismiss their suggestions because feel they should be different, let your kid discover their interests. Do I want to visit every single playground in our city? Not that much. But that is the plan my child came up with so we will do it.
• Free Play Time: Allow time for unstructured free play where your child can use their imagination and creativity to entertain themselves. Setting up the summer routine for kids doesn’t mean you should plan out every single minute of their day. Set up the routine, but let them also be kids.

Tips for Implementing a Summer Routine for Kids

• Be Consistent: Stick to the routine as much as possible to establish a sense of predictability and stability for your child.
• Involve Your Child: Encourage your child to participate in creating their summer routine. Ask for their input on activities, schedules, and goals.
• Be Realistic: Keep expectations realistic and age-appropriate. Balance structured activities with downtime to prevent burnout and overall crankiness. Pro tip: always bring snacks. Even if you think it is a short activity, bring snacks. Trust me, snacks can prevent crankiness in your kids, partner and you. 
• Be Patient and Flexible: Be patient with yourself and your child as you adjust to the new routine. Be willing to adapt and make changes as needed.

By creating a summer routine for your kids, you can strike a balance between structure and flexibility, ensuring that they have a fulfilling and enjoyable break while also staying engaged and productive.