by 12:53:00 PM 0 comments




I don’t know any kids that don’t love summer. The break from school, camps, vacations, baseball, swimming, popsicles, fireflies…there’s just so much fun stuff going on. But for parents, it’s not always sunshine and roses. Summer can be a chaotic time, the school routine is gone, the excitement of being home more often has worn off and the words “I’m bored,” have gone on repeat.

Here are 5 simple tips to calm the summer chaos.

1) Cut the screen time.


Everybody goes through some binge time when it comes to the television, computer, video games, and cell phones, but it’s not healthy for us. Think about the last Netflix binge you had and how it felt when you finally crawled off the couch. I’m betting you felt kind of cruddy, I always do. The same thing happens to our kiddos' bodies too when they spend too much time in front of  a screen. Encourage your kids to cut the screen time and get up and do something. Send them outside to play. Go on a scavenger hunt. Go catch fireflies. Read a book. Play a board game. The possibilities are endless.

2)Stay Healthy


99% of families are on the go go go through the summer. Late night ball tournaments, summer camps, and swimming lessons often mean quick on–the-go meals that are prepackaged or fast food. Your whole family will feel better with bellies full of nutritious foods. Take the mess out of the kitchen and use your barbecue grill for quick and healthy options. Utilize your slow cooker. Make ahead meals and freeze them. Here in North Missouri, many Hy-Vee’s offer Freezer Meal workshops and for those of us unsure where to start a guided class can be a great option.

3) Set a routine.


While kids may initially enjoy the freedom of being out of their school routine, after a while it can become detrimental. Kids thrive on routine, being able to know what is going to happen and planning for it can help them feel safe and able to take care of themselves. Summer time allows for a looser routine, but try and keep some things constant, especially bedtime.

4) Make the kids help with the chores.


Having the kids home more means more snacks, more meals, more laundry, and more messes. Have your kids help with the daily chores. It means less work for you, which equals less stress and it teaches them responsibility. Keep the chores age appropriate, but remember, even small children can help clean up their toys and messes.


5) Schedule in "me" time.


This point is the last on the list because it is the most important for everyone in your family. Make time in your schedule for everyone to have some time to themselves. Siblings spend more time together over the summer break than usual and often start to drive each other nuts. Making sure that everyone has a little time to themselves can help ease the fights and the whining, which can definitely help calm the chaos.



 Do you have any other tips for managing the summer chaos? We’d love to hear what works in your house. 

Mrs. Librarian

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