momAgenda Blog
Planning for Summer at Home with the Kids
May 5, 2011 12:28 PM
The following is a guest post by Heather Reinhard of Theta Mom.
It's hard to believe that in another month or so the kids will be off for summer break. When I was a full-time teacher, I lived for the summertime. But now that I'm a mom who also happens to work from home, summers can be a real disaster if I don't plan ahead. And since I don't have my kids enrolled in any sort of camp program, I'm forced to think of some creative ways to keep them busy while this mama can be productive and keep her sanity at the same time.
Effective Time Management Strategies:
Make Daily To-Do Lists: Time management is the secret to maintaining some sanity and I am such a list girl. I swear by them. I actually hand write and prioritize what I need to do on each given day and my momAgenda Desktop is perfect for this. The key to implementing the list effectively is whatever does not get done by the end of the day is the first thing to be placed on the new list for the next day.
Learn to Say No: I have such a Type-A personality so I have struggled with this but ever since the birth of my second child I truly have learned the power of "no." There just isn't enough time to commit to everything without feeling stressed out so it IS totally ok not to attend that invitation to a pool party or summer BBQ. Give yourself and the kids a break.
Take a Time Out: Every mom needs some time alone without having to worry about a sippy cup falling out of her purse. I'm a better mother when I have time to regroup and re-energize. Grabbing some "me" time helps to maintain some sanity so I am sure to pencil in some time for myself in my momAgenda which reminds me that I am also a priority and on the master list.
The other challenge I face in the summertime is making sure the kids are occupied more than just watching endless reruns of SpongeBob. Luckily, I am only a short drive to the beach and we also happen to have a pool in the backyard.
Can't get to the beach or the pool? Try some of these tips:
Schedule Play-Dates: My kids are easily entertained by other kids so I make sure that we get together with friends. It's a great way for me to catch up and enjoy some adult conversation with the moms while my kids have fun with the other children. Even if we meet at a friend's house, it's a chance for us to get out of our home and a change of scenery makes a difference.
Attend Local Park/Library/Community Events: Heading out to the park in the early morning (before it gets too hot) or attending some local public library events is a great way to entertain the kids on a budget (most of these community/town events are free). Even if you get out once a week in the summer to break up the day will help to keep your kids (and yourself) sane!
Regardless of what you plan to do this summer, try to remember that your kids are only small once and they do want your time and energy. Stay organized, plan ahead and make arrangements to keep them (and yourself) busy. Before you know it, you'll be back-to-school shopping wondering where the time went!
Heather Reinhard is the leader of the Council of Media Moms at momAgenda. She writes about motherhood on her personal blog Theta Mom and owns her own Media Company. You can always find her on Twitter.
Technorati Tags: day planner, personal organizer
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Comments (8)
I'm going to work on the to-do lists! But I also plan to savor the sweetness of a looser schedule and keep them short.
Posted by: Nicole Feliciano - May 5, 2011 1:44 PM
Wow Heather - we must both have spring fever because I did a summer post a couple of days ago! :) I think your tip about saying "no" is so important because a slower pace during the summer months can quickly change if you don't delete some activities!
Posted by: Paula@ Simply Sandwich - May 5, 2011 2:33 PM
Good luck with your summer organization! I plan to get way more organized this summer as well!
If they are bored but you don't want to go anywhere try the sprinkler trick. Just hook it up in the yard and let them go to town!
Posted by: molly - May 5, 2011 3:20 PM
Thanks for the reminder that I need to start thinking about this. Last summer was a disaster and I don't want a repeat of that. I think I'm going to work on a list of chores for my kids. Nothing like good old fashion work to keep them busy (at least for a few moments.)
Posted by: Michele McGraw - May 5, 2011 4:28 PM
This a great reminder to prepare for summer. I especially like your tip that it's ok to say "No" -- It's an easy thing to forget. It's also easy to forget that it often doesn't take much to entertain kids (especially little ones). Sometimes a kiddie pool, a hose and a floating toy or two will keep them happy for hours!
Posted by: FRxWendy - May 5, 2011 5:38 PM
Sometimes I think we are the same person, Heather! I can't choose just one tip and say that's the best, because truly these are all important. I have learned to say no without guilt, and that has made my life better. Great post!
Posted by: Practical Parenting - May 6, 2011 9:37 AM
I always forget to take a time out for myself. Thanks for reminding me that I need to try and do this.
Posted by: Jessica - May 6, 2011 11:36 AM
All good tips and not just for the summer, for anyone who's got kids whether they work inside our outside the home. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: She'sWrite - May 7, 2011 11:14 AM
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