Kids Thrive on Structure and Routine

Before I had kids, this is what summer looked like:

Well, not really!  It's hard to remember now those carefree days, but I'm sure there was some rest and relaxation.  You may be thinking that that is how you want your summer to be now... the kids will entertain themselves and you will sit by the pool.

*cue the laughter*

It is not a reality.  Our children need to learn how to relax.  They are scheduled every minute of every single day.  When they walk into school their schedule is on the board.  When they come home they have homework, chores, sports, dinner.  Then they hit repeat for the next day.

Our kids are used to tight schedules.  They usually have something like this up in their classrooms.  {Thanks Lisa - this is from a real 2nd grade classroom.}

Or maybe you adopted this schedule from Bernadette. 
Use a pocket chart and click here for the printable.

Our kids thrive on structure and routine.  They need to know what is expected of them.  It also brings down their anxiety levels and their need to take over the planning by manipulating you.

I usually start my summer with a basic plan for the day and I write it down (critical).  I never put times with it because they will hold you to it!  Sometimes my schedule only goes until lunch time.  Then I figure out the rest of the day after lunch.

I always try to include the following 5 things each day:  outside,

chores, quiet time, free time, and reading time (generally around the time the mail arrives).  I also make sure I put down TV or computer time, then they don't have to bug me!

A simple dry erase board or pad of paper will do the trick!

At Busy Kids = Happy Mom, we believe that kids will ultimately do best over the summer if there is learning involved too!  Please check out our posts on Do-It-Yourself Summer School and Summer Points   They'll help you get started!

Toward the middle of summer I am able to back off and relax a little.  Before school starts I bring the schedule out again!  They're happier and so am I!

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Links for summer:
Summer Points (motivate your child throughout the summer)
Life Skills (the things they don't teach at school, ages 2-18)
DIY Summer School

---------------------- one more plug for schedules----------------

You all know I'm a big Kirk Martin - Celebrate Calm fan!  This was on his Facebook page:


Go over your weekend plans with the kids.  Set expectations.  Eliminate unknowns and surprises.  Make a plan for tomorrow, even if that plan is to do nothing but have downtime.  Mom, plan some time alone just for you.  Show your kids that you value your time.  You value using YOUR gifts and passions (see why I like him?).  It's not all about their soccer, karate, and their friends.  You still ahve friends, right?  Let them know what YOU are going to do.  A little date night wouldn't hurt either.  Even if it's you and your spouse alone in the kitchen with the kids in the basement watching a movie.  Kids Free Zone for 60 minutes!! (yep!)

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Kristen is a Reading Specialist and the blogger behind Busy Kids = Happy Mom, a site dedicated to fun, practical, and purposeful activities to do with your kids.  Follow Kristen on Facebook, Pinterest, and Busy Kids = Happy Mom.