Ah, summer! Here we are, former procrastinators, in that season that says “take a break, relax a little, do something fun. “ Let’s do it!
With school out, the warm weather months are more “defined.” The parameters are set for us whether we have children in school or not. It’s a short season that inspires a more relaxed mindset – and also opens the door to opportunities we struggle to work in the rest of the year.
A mom told me one summer that June and July their boys would be in structured activities but August would be free, unstructured. She had a plan. Planning can help us better enjoy these months and look back pleased with how we redeemed the time.
Let’s go there! Make summer fun and fruitful:
- Ask the kiddos, husband, or friends what interests them and build a plan including wishes you each have.
- Choose change of routine over none at all. Otherwise you are likely to run ragged during this break or look back and wonder “Where did the summer go?” How many times have you heard “We are all so ready to get back to routine”? There are still meals, dishes, beds, and trash to tend to. A change is refreshing but no routine is draining.
- Explore personal interests. Take a class. Research a topic. Interview others.
- Concentrate a block of time on a class or project and knock it out. Clean the garage, refinish the chest. Ease the pressure of the coming months by getting this done.
- Explore your own town. Tour an industry. Visit a farm.
- Visit relatives. Travel to see them or host them at your home. Meet somewhere for a couple of days.
- Sharpen computer skills. Organize computer files.
- Develop camping, outdoor, or survival skills.
- Learn to can. ‘Tis the season!
- Teens can have a summer job. Younger ones can mow lawns or be a mother’s helper for you or someone else. Volunteer help for an elderly neighbor.
- Set aside brief but regular review time for math facts or spelling so re-entry to school is easier in the fall. Read ahead for the coming school year.
- Complete that necessary but schedule -stressing driver’s ed course.
- Teach cooking, laundry skills, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, grocery shopping. How wonderful to have these skills in place before the school year starts. Your team can be ready!
- Investigate the possibility of learning time for your teen with a plumber, electrician, auto mechanic.
- Take CPR or a babysitting course, a photography or sewing class
- Construct a playhouse or fort.
- Invite neighbors over for a cookout.
- Volunteer to teach a manners class or find friends who will do that.
- Play tennis. Putt putt. Garden.
- And of course, swim and read!
I’m organizing computer files in daily increments and hosting family.
What’s your summer plan? When and how?
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