AN ORGANIZED SUMMER R OUTINE

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Ishared something similar to this article at the beginning of summer last year, but really thought it would be a good idea to share it again. As a professional organizer and mommy, I stand behind these tips and tricks and use them in my own personal life. Even though we are already well into summer, it isn’t too late to incorporate these into your routine.

Preparation is key. As with all organizing projects, preparation is the key to success. You must have a plan of action and be able to keep up with it efficiently! So, the first thing you should do is purchase or create a family calendar. Go ahead and enter all of the camps, appointments, and trips that you already know about, so that you can fill in the blanks properly.

Fill in the blanks! So, now it is time to begin filling in the blank spaces. To be clear, though, I am not suggesting that every single day needs to be filled with an elaborate activity, but I do recommend that you go ahead and preplan a few get-togethers with your kids’ friends from school. It is nice to keep in touch during the summer and it will give your children some time to relieve any pent up energy that they may have. For example, plan summer-specific activities, such as, a day at the pool, a fun outdoor BBQ, and a day of slip-n-slide. There are tons of camps and bible schools to attend, as well.

Leave room for routines! As I said above, I do not suggest that you fill all of your days with elaborate activities. In fact, I live by routines and children thrive on consistency and structure, so make sure to create that for them this summer. For instance, keep their morning and bedtime routines as consistent and clear as possible by creating an easy-to-follow system. Last year, I created a routine that I shared on my social media (so you may want to follow me there to see what else I come up with for this year!

@erinlovedesigns and erinsharplinlove)

Here is a sneak peek of the routine I followed. Feel free to use it for yourself! The Love Daily Schedule.

7:30 -

- Movie, Reading, or TV Time

Plan the routines! So, now let me break down my routine so that it makes more sense for you. It is very important that you not let your kids sleep in too late during the summer, so our wake up time is typically around 7:00 every morning and then I let them lie around and watch TV or play on their tablets until breakfast time. Breakfast is typically muffins, eggs, or waffles, but I am not a stickler so my kids get to choose what they want. And, yes, sometimes it is ice cream and chips. From breakfast I like to go straight into the “learning fun” part of the day so they don’t get too tired and grumpy. I see this as the most important activity of the day and never skip it. During “learning fun” I come up with a fun way for them to learn about grade specific topics that include science, reading, math, and geography. I do include a worksheet or two, as well, as I think it will help them retain some of the information better. Then we move into the playtime as a reward for working hard during the learning hour. Playtime includes such activities as water balloons, riding bikes, fishing, tadpole hunting, etc. I have a whole list of activities that I will share with you, too, so stay tuned. After playtime is lunch followed by an activity that is physical. I definitely think children benefit from a bit of physical exercise, so we jump on the trampoline, run relay races, and other such activities. Next, is arts and crafts! I let them get dirty with play doh, slime, paint, and other things. Finally, it is time to wind down the rest of the day by enjoying a bit more playtime, followed quickly by down time where they can again watch TV, play on their tablet, or read a book. Then we are off to dinner and our bedtime routine. Be ready for boredom! No matter how planned out and meticulous you are there will still be times that your kids will not want to do exactly what you have planned. I always have a few other “rabbits up my sleeve” for when boredom strikes. Here are a few ideas for you to keep in your arsenal, too:

Last year, I created a routine that I shared on my social media (so you may want to follow me there to see what else I come up with for this year! @erinlovedesigns and erinsharplinlove).

1. Create a “Boredom Jar” – I have a mason jar that I filled with tasks, so when boredom hits, they reach for a strip of paper and have to do what is on the slip of paper. It’s kind of fun because sometimes they will pull a chore and other times they will pull an opportunity for a new, inexpensive gift.

2. Mix it up! Let the kids choose what order they want to do each step of the routine. I only allow this after the learning hour is complete. They get to plan the tasks, the fun, the games, the arts and crafts, etc.

3. Create a theme of the day! Maybe one day is “Pajama” day and another is “Silly Hat” day. Think outside of the box and have fun! Fun always chases boredom away!

Restock your supplies! Now that I have you thinking about schedules and routines, that is just the tip of the iceberg. You have to make sure that you have all of the items you may need to keep your little ones entertained. I suggest stocking up on your arts and crafts products (glue, construction paper, googly eyes, yarn, washable paint, paintbrushes,etc.). You should also check your “outdoor prep” supplies such as bug spray, sunscreen, first aid kit, water balloons, chalk, etc. Now is also the time to check on that you have the correct size swimming suits, shoes, and hats. And you can’t forget the snack station! That must be stocked to perfection or you will pay for it later. I like to have a travel water bottle for each of my children and I prepackage my own snacks if they are not already prepackaged in snack-sized bags or containers. Be sure that you have plenty of healthy snacks so they don’t always reach for the candy and cookies. My kids enjoy grapes, carrots, and strawberries the most during summer months.

With that said, I know that you are probably hoping for some ideas on arts and crafts, learning activities, and such, so please be sure to follow my @erinlovedesigns on Instagram! I will be sharing tons of ideas, I just don’t have the space here. I can’t wait to hear what you think of my advice, so please feel free to contact me!