Our Summer Survival Plan

I didn't sign the kids up for a lot of activities this summer- we're doing one session of swim lessons and the boys each have a once a week activity for a few more weeks (tennis lessons for Jack and gymnastics for Miles). Last summer I felt like we had too many obligations in the form of lessons and camps and not enough days where we could stay in our pj's all morning building a fort or go out for ice cream on a whim. And, isn't that what summer is all about?!

That said, we have about 7 weeks until our trip to California and I need a little routine to help us manage our time. So, when I stumbled across the "Summer Survival Plan" on barefootinthekitchen.blogspot.com (one of my favorite blogs to read!) I knew it could be a good plan for us too.

Here's what we do:
Job(s)
Fun
Lunch
Quiet Time
Pool
Dinner
Baths
Bed

Jobs: We spend the first hour of our day (after breakfast and taking a walk) doing jobs around the house. I tackle my housekeeping chores and assign the kids a job or two as well. Jobs that I ask the kids to tackle: dusting, vacuuming, bringing dirty clothes to the laundry room, putting folded laundry away in drawers, picking up toys, taking things up or downstairs. I like giving the kids a set time each day where they help around the house and reinforcing the idea that we work before play. Getting jobs out of the way each morning also means that our house is usually pretty picked up and clean which makes for a happy mom.

Fun: We choose 1 fun activity each day. Frequent choices include a trip to the library, a bike ride, playtime at the park, a playdate, board games, or time in the playroom. Sometimes we have to run an errand (usually the grocery store of Costco which I try to make fun by letting them choose a small treat or having lunch at Costco). I like being free to join them in whatever we decide to do, as opposed to trying to keep them busy while I work on getting stuff done around the house.

Lunch

Quiet Time: A nap for Miles and reading time for Jack

Pool: We've been hitting the pool around 3 or 4 each afternoon and swimming until dinner. We don't go everyday, but about 3 times a week seems to work well. It's a nice reward at the end of the day and the kids come home starving and worn out!

Dinner
Baths
Bed

We've been giving this plan a try for about a week and I love it. We are fitting in lots of summer time fun, but the house is under control too and the kids are learning how to be good helpers. Win Win!