4 Tips to making a successful summer with your kids

Summer is upon us. In some ways, this summer will have elements that most summers have and in other ways, it will look very different thanks to COVID-19. How can we make this summer successful with our kids?

1. Remember that each child is unique

This is an important point to keep in mind. Each child is different and has different needs. I am sure you have noticed that if you try to treat each of your children in exactly the same way, it rarely works out well. This is because each child is unique and has unique needs. The very first step is to recognize how each of your kids is different and what will support them most in making this a great summer.

2. How much structure does each child need?

I was inspired to write about this as I watched each of my children transition from the online learning of the end of this COVID-19 school year to summer. Many elements look the same as the end of the school year – we are still mostly home and not traveling or participating in the things we normally would have been. And some elements are different – they no longer have online classes, schoolwork or deadlines. So in many ways, their time has opened up even more.

How does your child respond to the opening of their time? Are they easing naturally into a more relaxed schedule with time sprawling out before them? Or are they lost in a sea of too much time and not enough structure? Each child is different and it is important to identify if your child needs your help to create some structure in these long, odd COVID-19 summer days or if they will thrive in less structure during their summer.

3. Be creative, especially this summer

This summer, as the last part of this school year, requires a lot of flexibility and creativity on our parts as parents. We may be juggling working from home while having our kids home. Sometimes our kids will need more from us and sometimes less. How can you juggle it all and still stay sane and enjoy your summer with your kids? I am certain that at times, it may require a strong sense of humor on your part as well as some creativity. How can you bring more of those into your mind/life/days?

4. Balance is key

I preach balance on the regular, with my own family and with my clients. It is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself and getting some quiet time in as well as time for movement, family time etc. And it is important for your kids to get balanced in their days as well.

I spoke more on this topic in my podcast on episode 509 which you can listen to here. The more we can keep these elements in mind and practice them, the more enjoyable this COVID-19 summer can be!