SURVIVING SUMMER Without Stressing

KIDS CAN’T WAIT FOR SUMMER BREAK, BUT THIS TIME CAN BE CHAOTIC FOR PARENTS. SO HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR SURVIVING SUMMER WITHOUT STRESSING.

1. Schedule – Even though it is Summer, keep a schedule. It can be less rigid than during the school year. But getting too far off of their typical routine could make kids tired and cranky, making the transition back to school in a few months more difficult. It is undoubtedly good to slow down and not rush, especially in the mornings but try to get them up and to bed around the same time.

2. Healthy Eating - Let kids participate in food choices and cooking when possible. If they have some decisionmaking power when shopping or can help prepare food, they will have more buy-in to eating healthy foods.

3. Move - We all know how important it is to move. But finding some way to fit movement into every day is essential. Summer freedom offers many opportunities to move from riding bikes to swimming, running, and playing with friends or even a dance party in the living room.

4. Read - Even though kids need a break from school, leisurely reading will keep their brains active. In addition, taking your kids to the library and letting them choose books is fun and free and can empower them to become better readers. Reading books as a family is also a great summertime activity.

5. Limit Screen Time –

It is important to give them some choices in when to use that time, but once you set the limits, stick to them. Let them help you make a list of things they can do off-screen, such as playing a board game, playing outside, making a craft, etc. Be sure the list is visible, so they know there are other options when their screen time is up.

6. Responsibility –

It is important to involve kids in caring for their things and spaces. We often label this doing “chores” when actually we want to teach kids to be grateful for having basic things like a clean home, a bed, food, clothes, and toys. Teaching responsibilities in caring for these things can instill a sense of gratitude. Also, kids must learn to do laundry, wash dishes, and make beds since those are necessary life skills.

7. Time - The old cliché “time is the most valuable thing you can give your child” is true. Even though it can be stressful sometimes, they are only young for a short while. Try to meet them where they are and just be present with them. The time does not have to be activity filled or expensive; try taking a nature walk, going on a bike ride, reading, watching a movie, or camping out in the backyard.

By: Nicol Rabalais, M.Ed.

Note: Remember it is essential to take kid-free time to relax when you can. Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help manage summer chaos. Also, Summer is the perfect time to plan family visits. Spending time with grandparents and other family members can help foster closer relationships while giving you time to refresh.

PAC can help the entire family stay healthy this summer. We offer many things for kids, such as swimming, tennis, kids’ classes, foundations classes, and jv pass. We also offer child care for different ages so parents can work out or take a class. (This issue lists summer youth activities on page 27.)