Surviving a Stay-at-Home Summer
Summer vacation is finally here! No more car rider lines, rushed mornings, and packing luncAlyssa Baker, LMFT-Shes. Just splendid serenity… until you realize this means the kids are home all day, every day and you’re their new entertainment! This can feel daunting, overwhelming, and somehow still exciting for a lot of parents.
1. Make a daily schedule that works for you.
A daily plan can ease any pressure you feel in reinventing the wheel every day. It gives structure to your kids (and you!) and the expectation is set for days that you plan to stay home.
Below are some ideas of schedules that may work for you:
2. Reach out to friends to hang out
Don’t do this summer all alone! Chances are, your other mom friends feel the weight of having to entertain their kids all day too. Take the first step and invite someone to hang out. It can be as simple as a park meet-up or lunch at Chick-fil-A. If you’re struggling to meet people who have kids of similar ages, put yourself in situations where you potentially could meet other parents. Start a conversation at your neighborhood park, try out kid classes at the library, and ask your friends if they know anyone. Don’t be afraid to take a step towards inviting someone to hang out. The worst they can say is no!
3. Do something each day that makes you feel productive.
There’s power in productivity! Not only does productivity accomplish a task but also helps bring purpose to your day. Most of us have a list of things that need to be done and we constantly put off. We’re too busy or too tired, to get it done in our normal routine. Make it a goal to accomplish something you are home each day. You can even attempt to recruit your kids to help out!
4. Plan things that make your kids excited but also make you excited!
Who says summer fun is just for the kids? Is there a new hobby you want to try? Something you want to make? Somewhere fun you’ve wanted to go? Even a “theme week” at home where you do fun crafts, special snacks, and learn about a new topic together. Whatever it is, make it something you look forward to also!
5. Don’t underestimate self-care.
It’s easy to get caught up in summer activities and neglect taking time for yourself. Find those little pockets of time where you can do something to recharge. Sometimes the dishes can wait, or the laundry doesn’t have to be folded at that moment. You won’t be as good for your kids as you want to be if you aren’t taking good care of yourself.
