How to Keep Your Sanity over Summer Break

It happens every year. School lets out, the kids come home, and summer is upon us. Keeping your sanity during summer break requires a mix of planning, organizing, setting realistic expectations and prioritizing self-care.

The key is to establish a routine that balances structured activities and downtime, giving children the stimulation they need while ensuring you have moments to recharge.

First, set a flexible but consistent weekly schedule. This helps manage kids' expectations and reduces chaos. Plan a mix of outings, educational activities, and creative projects to keep them engaged. Keep activities simple and manageable. It’s okay not to fill every moment of the day. Allowing kids to have unstructured playtime fosters creativity and independence, giving you a breather.

Prioritize self-care. Allocate time for your hobbies, exercise, or simple relaxation. Even short breaks can make a significant difference. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—swap babysitting duties with other parents or involve the grandparents for a day or two.

Remember to embrace imperfections. Things rarely go according to plan. Summer is about making memories, not about achieving perfection. By staying flexible and prioritizing everyone's well-being, you can both enjoy a more relaxed and fulfilling summer break.

 1. Clean Out Backpacks and Purge Paperwork

Cleaning out your child's backpack and organizing paperwork at the end of the school year is essential. You don't want all that stuff kicking around until the start of the new school year. By then you might have inadvertently started a science experiment.

Start out by completely emptying your child's backpack and any extra bags that they have brought home. Lay everything out on a flat surface. This gives you a clear view of what needs sorting.

Divide the contents into categories: papers, supplies, personal items, and trash. Recycle old worksheets, tests, and projects that are no longer needed.

Keep important documents such as report cards, art work or awards in a designated pile. Store the important papers in a "School Memories" bin. All you need is a tote that holds hanging files and some hanging folder tabs. You use one file per school year and you can add a file for preschool as well. This keeps everything organized and accessible. Ensure it’s easily accessible for reference but out of the way of everyday activities.

Assess the condition of school supplies and discard any broken or worn-out items. Save things that are in good condition for next year.

If the backpack is in good condition and your child is open to using it next year, now is a great time to give it a good clean. Shake out crumbs and dirt, then wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. If it's machine washable, follow the care instructions for a thorough clean.

Once everything is put away in a designated area, you'll be ready to move on to the next step.

 2. Establish Some Rules

Establishing rules for summer break is crucial for maintaining structure and harmony in the household. Believe it or not, kids actually thrive on rules. Rules create a predictable routine, helping children understand expectations. This consistency reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of security.

With more free time, children might be tempted to overindulge in screens. Setting limits on screen time ensures they engage in a wide variety of activities, promoting physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.

Don't hesitate to incorporate daily reading time to keep academic skills sharp and foster a love for books.

The rules can also include no TV time until chores are completed. More about that later!

Set clear rules about curfews and outdoor activities in order to protect children and set boundaries that ensure their safety.

While summer is a time for relaxation and fun, by establishing (and enforcing) some simple rules, parents can create an environment that balances freedom and fun with structure and responsibility. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the summer break.

 3. Stay Organized with a Command Center

Creating a summer break command center can transform your home into an organized hub of activity, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable break for the entire family.

Here’s how to set one up:

Find a central spot in your home, such as the kitchen or a hallway, where everyone frequently passes by. This ensures that information is easily accessible.

Equip your command center with a large wall calendar, a bulletin board, and storage bins or shelves. The calendar is crucial for tracking family events, activities, and appointments. Use the bulletin board for notes, reminders, and important contacts. This keeps all crucial information in one place.

Use colour coded markers or stickers on the calendar to designate activities for each family member. This visual separation helps everyone see their responsibilities and plans at a glance.

Have a designated area for essential supplies like pens, markers, sticky notes, and a basket for incoming mail.

Include a section for fun activities and outings. Keep a list of summer camps, play dates, and family trips, so everyone knows what exciting plans are coming up.

By setting up a summer break command center, you create a central organization point that helps manage schedules, responsibilities, and activities efficiently, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable summer for the whole family.

 4. Create an Activity Wish List

Creating a summer activity wish list with your kids is a fun and engaging way to ensure everyone has a memorable and exciting break.

Here’s how to get started:

Gather the family for a brainstorming session. Explain that everyone’s ideas are valuable and encourage each member to share their dream activities for the summer.

Organize suggestions into categories such as outdoor adventures, creative projects, educational trips, and relaxation days. This helps in planning a balanced variety of activities.

Discuss any budget constraints and prioritize activities accordingly. Teach kids about planning within limits while still having fun. There are plenty of free activities in every community.

Use a large poster board or a dedicated wall space to display the wish list. It can become part of your command center if you like. Write each activity on coloured paper or sticky notes. This visual display keeps the excitement alive and serves as a reminder of upcoming adventures.

Don't forget to include educational activities like museum visits, library days, or science experiments. Balance these with fun outings to parks, beaches, or amusement parks.

Use the wish list to fill in your summer calendar. Decide on dates for major activities and leave space for spontaneous adventures.

Regularly revisit the wish list, checking off completed activities and adding new ones. This keeps everyone engaged and ensures no one’s wishes are overlooked.

Creating a summer activity wish list not only sparks excitement but also teaches children about planning and prioritizing. It ensures a diverse and enjoyable summer break, filled with both planned and spontaneous adventures.

 5. Make Snack Time Simple

Setting up a kids snack area is a great way to encourage healthy eating during the summer break. Promote independence by ensuring everything is within reach.

Here’s how to create an efficient and inviting snack station:

Find a spot in the kitchen or dining area that’s easily accessible for kids. A lower shelf in the pantry or fridge works well.

Use clear bins or baskets to store snacks. Label each container with the type of snack it holds—dried fruit, nuts, snack crackers, granola bars, etc.

Stock the fridge area with nutritious choices. Include fresh fruits, cut-up veggies, yogurt, cheese sticks and healthy dips like hummus.

Pre-portion snacks into small bags or containers. This helps kids grab a quick snack without overeating.

Include a spot for water bottles or a pitcher with colour coded cups. Encourage kids to drink water throughout the day.

By setting up a dedicated snack area, you create a convenient, organized space that encourages healthy eating habits and self-sufficiency during the summer break.

 6. Put Together a Bag for Road Trips

Setting up a road trip bag for summer break requires thoughtful planning to ensure your kids are amused during the journey. There's only so many times you can hear "are we there yet?".

 Here’s how to organize the perfect road trip bag:

Select a spacious, sturdy bag with multiple compartments for easy organization. A backpack or a large tote works well.

Include travel-sized toiletries such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, sunscreen, and a small first aid kit. Don’t forget any necessary medications.

You'll want to pack a variety of healthy snacks separately, in a cooler with an ice pack. Include items like fruit, Jell-o, granola bars, crackers, and cheese sticks. Don't forget to add an assortment of juice boxes and water bottles to keep everyone well hydrated.

Bring a mix of activities to keep kids entertained. Include coloring books, crayons, small toys, puzzles, and travel games. Load up a tablet with movies, audio books, and educational apps for screen time if all else fails.

Pack blankets, small pillows, and stuffed animals to keep kids comfortable and cozy during the ride.

Don't forget to pack a change of clothes for each child in case of spills or accidents. Include hats and sunglasses for sunny stops.

By thoughtfully organizing your road trip bag, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the journey, keeping kids happy and engaged throughout the trip.

 7. Set up a Craft Cart

There will be days during summer break where it will be too hot for the kids to be outside. When they come indoors to beat the heat, you need to be ready to keep them entertained! Setting up a craft cart is a fantastic way to foster creativity and keep them busy indoors.
 
Here’s how to create an organized and inspiring craft cart:
 
Select a multi-tiered, rolling cart with several shelves. Ikea has a nice option called "Raskog". You can find similar carts at various locations or online. The cart allows for easy mobility and visibility of items.
 
Use clear containers and bins to sort supplies by type. Label each container to make it easy for kids to find what they need. Include sections for markers, crayons, coloured pencils, paint, brushes, scissors, glue, and tape.
 
Stock a variety of paper types—construction paper, card stock, sketch pads, and coloring books. You can even include small canvases for painting projects.

Add pre-packaged craft kits for easy, mess-free projects. Stock up on essential materials like beads, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, felt, and foam sheets.
 
Include child-safe scissors, hole punches, rulers, stencils, and stamps. Ensure these tools are stored safely and are easily accessible.
 
Add a few craft idea books or printouts with step-by-step instructions for various projects. This can spark creativity and provide guidance.
 
Let the kids personalize the cart with stickers or decorations. This makes it feel like their special creative space.
By setting up a well-organized craft cart, you provide a dedicated space for artistic expression, keeping kids engaged and inspired throughout the summer.

 8. Organize Outdoor Activity Bins

Organizing outdoor activity bins for summer break is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged, active, and entertained throughout the sunny season.

Here's a few ideas to help you create bins to keep your kids busy all summer:

Start by selecting durable, weather-resistant bins that can be easily moved and stored when they are out of season. Label each bin according to the type of activity it contains, such as "Sports," "Water Play," "Crafts," and "Nature Exploration."

For the "Sports" bin, include items like balls, flying disks, jump ropes, and cones for setting up obstacle courses. This encourages physical activity and can be used for solo or group play.

The "Water Play" bin might contain water balloons, bubble wands, squirt guns, sponges, and small buckets for fun and refreshing games on hot days. It could also include a sub-category containing beach toys.

The "Crafts" bin should have outdoor-friendly materials like chalk, washable paints, brushes, and nature-themed craft kits such as bird house kits. These items stimulate creativity and can be used to create art inspired by the surrounding environment.

Lastly, the "Nature Exploration" bin could include magnifying glasses, binoculars, bug catchers, field guides, and notebooks for jotting down observations. This fosters a sense of curiosity and learning about the natural world.

Ensure all bins are easily accessible to children and encourage them to mix and match activities from different bins. Regularly check and replenish supplies to keep the bins exciting and ready for spontaneous outdoor adventures.

 9. Add a Chore Chart

Summer break can't be all fun & games. Well, it could, but that just means that you would have to shoulder a bigger load. Why not set up a chore chart for summer break and help maintain household order while teaching kids about responsibility?

Here’s how to create an effective chore chart:

Select a style that suits your family, such as a magnetic board, a whiteboard, or a printable template. I've made personalized charts on Canva and then had them laminated. This way my clients children can cross things off with a marker and then clean everything off to start a new week.

Identify age-appropriate chores for each child, such as making the bed, feeding pets, watering plants, tidying their room, or helping with dishes.

Designate days or times for each chore. Use a grid format to mark when tasks should be completed, and allow kids to check off chores once done.

Motivate kids with a reward system. Offer small incentives like extra screen time, a special treat, or a family outing for consistently completing chores.

Regularly review the chart with your kids. Adjust chores as needed to keep it balanced and ensure everyone’s participation.

By setting up a clear and structured chore chart, you instill a sense of responsibility and teamwork. It keeps the household running smoother and teaches kids valuable life skills.

 10. Don't Forget Self Care

Last but not least. Do not put yourself last!
 
Prioritizing self-care over the summer break is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Summer can be a busy time with kids at home, but taking time for yourself ensures you remain energized and balanced.

Engaging in self-care improves overall well-being, allowing you to be more present and attentive to your children's needs.

When you model healthy habits, you also teach your children the importance of self-care. Ultimately, prioritizing your well-being creates a happier, healthier environment for everyone.

Final Thoughts

If you would like to learn more about how to set your family up for success and how to keep  your sanity over the summer break, just give us a call to find out how we can help! Our goal as a professional organizing service is to give you the tools to streamline your daily routine. We believe that where there is less stress, there can be more fun! Get in touch today!