Summer is here. I’ve signed my kid up for gymnastics at the Y, swimming lessons, VBS, and theater camp. With all the rich stimuli complete with new books, new crayons, and a globe that tells you the population and sings the national anthem of any country you pick, SURELY my five-year-old would be ready for a fun filled summer that I planned.
Nope.
Yesterday he wanted to break his arm so he could have a cast. I obliged by providing my husband gauze so he could wrap a “cast” on our son’s unbroken arm.
Later, in the afternoon, he was eating bubbles. Awesome.
So… new plan. (For all the type A’s this post is for you) I am speaking to the choir when I urge us all to do like Elsa and LET IT GO. I have girlfriends who are real good at this, and I’m learning from their ways. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of activities planned to ensure we don’t lose our ever loving minds, but for the days he entertains himself in ways I wouldn’t necessarily love I am going to LET HIM BE. If this is easy for you TEACH MY YOUR WAYS. For mamas like me who love structure to a fault, the summer can make you go crazy with the billion hours each day.
I know I’m not 100% responsible for his entertainment but I like to have a plan for my own sanity.
So here’s my plan to not lose my mind.
5 Ways To Keep Your Sanity This Summer With Kids:
Have A Surprise Trip Once A Week
My oldest asks where we are going e-v-e-r-y d-a-y, and while I make up activities on the fly I like the idea of making it extra special once a week. For us, our surprises include trips to the Museum of Flight, u-pick strawberry farm, children’s museum, food truck festival, hike and picnic, or movies in the park. (all but one of these are free)
Party
We’ll host BBQs until the cows come home. I want my sons to know we value time with people, not casual relationships, but intentional relationships over BBQ’ed flank steak and homemade potato salad. Does the idea of hosting make you feel queasy? It doesn’t have too. Wrote up a few thoughts for millennial women who want to host, opening their home to gather friends who become kindred spirits.
Find All The Free Things
Chances are there a ton of free things to do in your city, you just gotta find them. A little digging goes a long way. I discovered free museum nights, free bowling passes, free roller skating passes, and of course local splash pads and the library.
Regular Play Dates
Have a few girlfriends you’d like to see on the regular? Establish a standing play date complete with espresso and enough snacks to feed your hungry bear cubs. If you are not down for hosting all the time suggest rotating houses.
Make Time For Mama
This is one I’m learning to do better and better. Whether it’s lunch with a girlfriend sans kids, a hike through the woods, wandering through the shoe department at Nordstrom, or reading for a few hours uninterrupted (my absolute favorite) you need some YOU time to hear yourself think, dream, and pray.
Last summer, I found some other ways to keep my oldest occupied that may have garnered some looks, but whatevs.
Cheers to Summer 2016!