How to Create a Simple Summer Routine

Summer is right around the corner, which means most kids will be getting out of school within the next few weeks. While the freedom summer brings can be a great time of relaxation, it also can quickly lead to boredom and frustration. Soon you’ll be asking “How do you keep kids busy during the summer?”.  Well, it’s really simple, combat boredom with a summer routine.

Remember, your kiddos are going from very structured days to complete freedom, this is sure to bring some breakdowns for everyone if you do not have an action plan in place.

Let’s face it, we all benefit from structure and routines of some kind. This is especially true for children. By having a summer routine and schedule in place you will avoid feeling disorganized and letting the summer slip away from you.

After all, you want to create a fun summer for everyone, including yourself.  So follow these simple steps to create your own summer routine and make it your favorite summer yet!

Start with a simple printable calendar. Sarah Titus at sarahtitus.com creates a free monthly calendar that you can print out. See it here. You can also create one easily in most word processing programs.

You can also download my all in one Free Printable Planner when you sign up for the newsletter.  Just click below!

 

Once you have your calendar ready, start by writing down all planned events.  Include things such as VBS, Family vacation, summer camps, and any lessons or sports games and practices.

Next, make a list of summer activities you would like to do, you can even include the kids in this planning. To help you with ideas, look for special events at your local library. There are also many movie theaters offering dollar movie showings. You can also sign up for kids bowl free activities. You want to be flexible, after all, it is summer, but at the same time, the goal is to have a regular routine in place.

When it comes to setting up our summer routine, I am a big fan of creating themed days. It really makes scheduling easy and the kids know exactly what to expect. I create a different theme for each day of the week. For example, one of our summer routine themes looked like this:

Monday Movie Day:

On Monday’s I would schedule trips to the $1.00 theater, or pick up a free DVD from the library and have popcorn and a movie in the afternoon.

Time to Create Tuesdays:

Tuesday’s is all about being creative.

Pinterest is a great place to look for general craft ideas.  You can also stock up on simple craft supplies and let the kids use their imaginations.  Even things like singing, playing the Just Dance Video Game, putting on little skits, anything creative would be scheduled for this day.

Walking Wednesdays:

This was the day to make sure we got outside. I would schedule hikes, bike rides, walks to get an ice cream cone. Anything active and out doors.

Thinking Thursdays:

Thursdays were usually the day we went to the library or book store. There would be specific time set aside for reading.

Fabulous Fridays:

This day was all about the kids favorite activities, this was the day for play dates, swimming, playing board games, whatever things they truly love.

As part of our summer routine, I always included specific goals for the kids. Either something involving learning a new skill, serving someone else, or reading a set number of books. There are many programs that offer reading incentives for the kids. This year the Barnes and Noble summer reading program gives out a free book to each child who reads 8 books.

I also get the kids involved in my regular cleaning routine.  Because I already have a daily themed cleaning routine, it is easy to add it to our summer routine.  The kids know exactly what they will be helping with each day of the week.

A simple summer routine will allow you to enjoy the freedom summer brings while keeping the kids busy; preventing boredom and breakdowns.

What activities will you include in your summer routine? I would love to hear.