First of all, think about what you want for your family. When you look at today, where do you want to be on the last day of summer?

And what I mean by this is, how do you want to grow and be stretched as a family?

Summers can be challenging because there is more time to fill with activities. But you don’t have to do everything. Yet, you do need to be a family and spend time together.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Spend time together!

That’s where everything starts: spend time together! Summertime is not a break from school and studying, but an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your children. No matter what you do, if spending time together is the result, that’s the best summer ever.

However, I know there are a few things you can do to help you get through the summer with a smile.

So let’s look at ten parenting hacks to help you survive and thrive during the summer months.

1. Set a Daily Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure for both you and your kids. Include designated playtime, meal times, and quiet time to maintain a sense of order throughout the day.

2. Create a Summer Bucket List: Involve your children in creating a list of fun activities and adventures they want to experience during the summer. And this bucket list does not have to cost money. Yet, it gives them something to look forward to and helps prevent boredom.

3. Limit Screen Time: While it can be tempting to rely on screens for entertainment, set limits on screen time to encourage outdoor play, creativity, and family bonding.

4. Organize Weekly Outings: Plan weekly outings to parks, museums, or local attractions to break up the routine and keep things exciting for your kids.

5. Schedule “Mom/Dad Time”: Prioritize self-care by scheduling regular “mom/dad time” for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or enjoying a cup of coffee in peace, taking care of yourself will help you recharge and be a better parent.

6. Turn Chores into Games: Get your kids involved in household chores by turning them into fun games. Make cleaning up a race or create a scavenger hunt for items that need to be put away.

7. Embrace Messy Play: Let go of the need for a perfectly clean house and embrace messy play activities like painting, water play, or baking together. The memories created will far outweigh the temporary mess.

8. Set Boundaries with Love: Establish clear boundaries with your children and enforce them with love and consistency. Consistent boundaries provide a sense of security for kids and help them understand expectations.

9. Plan Regular Family Parties: Hold weekly family parties to discuss upcoming plans, express concerns, and celebrate successes. Encouraging open communication strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of teamwork.

10. Practice Gratitude: Encourage your children to practice gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of each day. Ending the day with gratitude can shift the focus from challenges to blessings. Create a Summer Gratitude & Joy Jar. Then, you can revisit your memories anytime.

By implementing these parenting hacks, you can navigate the summer months with ease and create lasting memories with your children. Remember, finding the balance between boundaries and fun is key to a successful summer for the whole family.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“