TOTALLY AWESOME SCIENCE

2. LOOK INTO LOCAL CAMPS, LESSONS, AND PROGRAMS. There are many timesensitive options to be considered for enrichment programs, summer camps, swimming lessons, etc., so do this sooner rather than later. What interests do your children have? Summer is a great time to invest in learning a new hobby that could stick with your child for years to come. Do some research and make a note of those fast-approaching deadlines.

3. CONSIDER THE LOGISTICS. If you are a working parent, can you flex your schedule to spend more time at home? Will your kids be at daycare or with a summer nanny? Could they spend some quality time with grandparents or other family members? Be intentional about planning quality time with your family. The years go by way too quickly!

4. DRAFT A SKELETON OUTLINE OF YOUR SUMMER CALENDAR. Block off dates for events you know are happening that you’ll need to work around and try to plan week-to-week to pull it all together. Don’t be tempted to overschedule! Refer to your bucket list for scheduling the big things and leave flexibility for the small activities. A loosely outlined schedule will give you a plan and allow you the freedom to be spontaneous.

5. RELAX. Even with all this planning, remember that not everything on the bucket list needs to be (or should be) ‘planned.’ Summer is also a time to let them play. Build time in for relaxation and flexibility. And don’t forget to appreciate the unscripted moments; those are often the most memorable ones.

With a kickstart to your summer planning underway, you can relax and dream about those warm days ahead! n