How To Create Summer Schedules For Kids

Summer is almost here, and children everywhere are ecstatic, meaning you need a good summer schedule for kids. Summer freedom is something that every child looks forward to. But I know I’m not the only mom who has worried, “How am I going to keep my kids entertained for the entire summer!”

This undoubtedly indicates that many women are already stressed about getting everything done and keeping the kids entertained.

Believe me, I understand. I may be outgoing in general, yet I am also an introvert. I work from home and appreciate the times of peace and quiet in my daily routine when my children are in school. My children and I are also routine-oriented, and when our schedules are abruptly turned upside down, we all feel a little irritable.

Most mothers, understandably, desire to retain some feeling of normalcy even when their children are not in school.

In this article, I’ll share some strategies and resources for organizing your child’s day during summer vacation, so that any parent who works from home or stays at home may be productive while still spending meaningful, engaged time with their children. In summary, you’ll get to know how to create a summer schedule for kids.

Why Are Summer Schedule For Kids Important?

As adults, it’s easy to forget how much we rely on the routines and habits we’ve worked so hard to establish—until they’re disrupted. Children are no exception.

Predictable structures and routines in your child’s summer schedule provide numerous benefits, including:

Providing a sense of certainty and stability.
Increasing their social, cognitive, and emotional interaction with others.
Lowering incidents of disobedience and acting out.
Creating a consistent sleeping routine.
Assisting your child in developing confidence and independence.

No one, including ourselves, enjoys starting the day without knowing what lies ahead. Making a summer schedule for kids will not only benefit them, but will also help you stay calm, cool, and collected.

Routines vs. Schedules

“What’s the difference between a schedule and a routine?” you may wonder. Isn’t it the same thing?” No, not exactly.

A schedule, according to Sarah, is more of a “timed strategy,” whereas routines are “regular, habitual procedures.”

Schedules, in my opinion, are more rigid and less flexible, making it more difficult for your children (and yourself) to adapt when things deviate from their normal path.

Routines, in my mind, are periods of the day where specified duties must be completed, but many activities may also be alternately slotted into slots intended for solo and family play.

I believe that a hybrid combination of a routine and a timetable works best for a stress-free and enjoyable summer for both you and your children. (You’ll see what I mean later!)

What Should Every Child’s Summer Routine Include?

It’s typical for you and your children to take a few days to acclimate to the changing rhythm of your summer schedule. Even while each family’s schedule will change, the core elements should be the same.

Quiet Time Is Required

Did you notice how the first item on the list is daily quiet time? That is not by chance, my friends! Children require time each day for independent, unstructured play, as well as learning how to play quietly while you focus on your own chores.

Nothing is more aggravating than getting interrupted around 1,000 times while attempting to complete a large assignment… especially if you’re a work-from-home mum like me!

If you’re stuck for summer activities for youngsters, try constructing an “I’m Bored” jar! for older kids. When your kids come to you whining about being bored, simply point them to the “Bored Jar” and let them pick something to do.

You could also make a second “Quiet Time Jar” with autonomous, quiet activity options like going outside in the backyard and drawing something, reading a book on the porch, or colouring a thorough colouring sheet.

Make Time for Household Chores

I have a confession to make: I am one of those moms who has spent money on several chore lists only to throw them away. I’m certain I’m not the only one out there, or at least I hope not!

Now that summer is here, it’s time to make a list of age-appropriate jobs for your children to handle. This, however, is easier said than done.

You and your children can devise prizes for finishing the day’s chores. It could be anything from ice cream to a tiny item that they can acquire over time.

Limit Screen Time

It’s understandable to want to let your youngster watch more TV or use their tablet more than normal during the summer. If you’re short on time or simply want to keep them occupied, it can be a nice distraction.

I recommend setting a daily screen time limit with your children that allows for some flexibility. For example, if they finish all of their tasks, you may give them an extra 10-15 minutes of tablet time, or give them an extra 30 minutes on weekends.

Also Read: Things To Do During The Summer Holidays

One compromise I’ve made with my own children is to require them to read for a specific amount of time each day before they may use their tablets. You can also include reading time on your summer bucket list or in your “I’m Bored” jar, and I recommend incorporating it into your afternoon or evening schedule during the summer.

Participate in Organized Activities

Every summer plan should include time for family time, and a more relaxed schedule implies more opportunity to engage in locally organized events.

Here are several examples:

Parades and festivals.
Markets for farmers.
Vacation Bible college.
Playdates once a week.
Programs provided by local civic organizations.
Swimming lessons.
Activities at the local library.

Many summer programs are free or low-cost, and they provide an opportunity for everyone to get out of the house for some much-needed socialization. They’re also fantastic methods to create family memories!

Include Some One-on-one Time

Whether you have one or five children, every summer schedule for kids should include some one-on-one time each day where you and your child may spend quality time together.

I know what you’re thinking: “I barely have time to wash my hair!” How am I going to spend time alone with each of my children???

I’ve been there, and I understand those sensations and thoughts. Some stages of life require only 10 minutes of one-on-one attention every day. You might also have to get inventive.

Ask your spouse to watch the other child while you and your son or daughter go shopping. Alternate early bedtimes so that you can concentrate just on one child at a time. These brief moments of time may seem insignificant to you, yet they mean everything to your children.

Maintain a Consistent Morning and Bedtime Routine

If you’re like most parents, bedtime comes early while your children are at school. There’s nothing wrong with changing up your morning and evening rituals in the summer. My kids, in fact, have an alarm clock that tells them when it’s safe to get out of bed and come downstairs after school. I adore that alarm clock.

Also Read: 8 Fun Activities to Do with Your Children During the Holidays

My advice is to stick to your usual morning and night routines as precisely as possible, regardless of whether you allow them to remain up or sleep in an hour later. Remember that consistency is essential, and your children will feel much better knowing what to expect each day.

Summer Schedules for Kids

If you’re a visual person who works better with a written chart or a loose plan, I’ve given a few examples for your convenience. The best part is that you may change these summer timetables for kids whenever you want.

These are just a few suggestions for things to incorporate into your everyday summer calendar… Obviously, you won’t have time to accomplish all of these activities on a daily basis, but these should start your Mom brain going:

Summer Schedules for Kids – Ideas for a Morning Routine

Your child’s morning routine will most likely contain a mix of routine tasks (such as brushing teeth and making the bed) and imaginative or outside play.

Here are some specific suggestions for your summer schedule’s early section:

Get up! (at a set time).
Consume breakfast – You may even arrange different breakfasts for each day of the week (Monday is Pancake Day, Tuesday is cereal, etc)
Brush your hair and teeth.
Make your bed.
Outdoor play – If you live in a hotter climate, you should generally include outdoor activities in the morning before it becomes too hot.
Puzzles or board games.
Arts and crafts might be as simple as colouring in a colouring book, selecting an idea from your drawing prompts jar or a more structured creation that you assist your children in completing.
Fun excursion – Visit the library, the park, or the zoo, for example.
Take a walk around the neighbourhood.

Summer Schedules for Kids – Ideas for an Afternoon Schedule

By the afternoon, your kids are undoubtedly in need of some R&R… that’s “Rest and Relaxation” for all you workaholic Moms out there who have forgotten what “rest” looks like!

After lunch is a great time for roughly an hour of quiet time, whether it’s a peaceful activity your kids can do in their bedrooms on their own, watching a movie, or reading a book.

My father was a camp ranger at a Boy Scout camp, and the scouts referred to the afternoon quiet period as “FOB Time,” which stood for “Flat on Back.” It basically meant that for one hour, you may lay down and read a book, watch a movie, or even nap.

Here are some more suggestions for your midday routine:

Eat lunch – Your children can also assist you in making lunches, or try these simple snack plate ideas for kids… Quick, easy, and healthful meals for kids are my go-to!
Clean up after lunch – Even your smaller children can assist clear the table, which is a terrific way to incorporate them into home chores and give them a sense of contribution.
Watch a movie or a couple of TV episodes
Reading a book.
Put together a puzzle.
Sprinkler time or water play.
Time for a special treat – This could be baking cookies or going to the ice cream shop.
Snack for the afternoon.
Finish household tasks.
Do a kind deed – For example, have your children write a note to a grandmother or assist them in sorting through their old clothes to donate to charity.
Younger children should take a nap.
Playdates with other children in your community.
Vacation bible school or day camps for children.
Go to the library.
The park picnic.

Summer Schedules for Kids – Ideas for an Evening Schedule

Summer evenings for your children will most likely be spent eating dinner and getting ready for bed.

Here are some items to incorporate into your nighttime routine:

Prepare the table for dinner.
Dinner is served, and any special arrangements for the next day are discussed.
After dinner, clean up the table.
Clean up the day’s toys
Have a bath.
Independent viewing or a family-friendly TV show – On nights when we have pizza or tacos for dinner, our family enjoys watching America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Puzzles or board games.
Colouring books or easy crafts that don’t make a big mess or require a lot of supplies.
A bike ride or a walk around the neighbourhood with the family.
Makeover the bedroom.
Brush your teeth and hair.
Complete any chores listed on the chore chart.
Story for the evening.
Put yourself to bed at a particular time.

Other Summer Routine Ideas to Get You Inspired

There are a TON of different examples of summertime routines available… it’s all about selecting the one that best fits your family’s needs and then adjusting it to perfection!

Here are a couple more suggestions to get you started:

Summer Schedule for The Mom Hour

Crafty moms will like making this gigantic summer routine chart for kids, and I appreciate that the entire family participates in organizing activities each week. Preparing ahead of time reduces stress, and if your children change their minds about an activity, you can substitute another option.

Summer Routine of a Military Wife and Her Mother

This kid’s summer plan is fantastic since it’s organized enough to give you peace of mind while being highly flexible. She provides a printable form, as well as visual schedule cards to help your youngster understand what is required.

Final Thoughts on Summer Schedules for Kids

With this summer schedule for kids, you’d be making your life and that of your kids much easier.

Click here to go to the fantastic world of motherhood.

Subscribe to our telegram channel here.

Or join our telegram group here.

Or send me an email to join our Exclusive WhatsApp Family.

Keep being #fabulous.

I am rooting for you.

Viv.