Summer can be a season of unpredictability when you have kids. You never know how each day will turn out, but that summertime spontaneity may be exactly what we all need right now.
It’s summer and time for wandering.
Kellie Elmore
Each summer day has the opportunity to be free, fun, and fabulous, but parents have to be ready for the long days, high temps, and complaints of boredom.
I recommend starting with this Mom’s Survival Guide to Summer before you launch into June. Take a little time to plan ahead so this summer will be the best yet!
1. Get your mind and your heart in the right place each morning.
If ever there is a time to get into the routine of spending the early part of your morning in God’s Word, in peaceful meditation, in a yoga squat, or in reflective journaling, summer IS IT! These long days require mental, emotional, and physical endurance. The best way to prepare is to ground yourself before tackling it all. My favorite place to do this is on my back porch with a cup of coffee.
Recommended Devotionals:
– The Bible Recap by Tara Leigh Cobble
– Pressing Pause by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
– The Better Mom Devotional by Ruth Schwenk
Recommended Journals:
– Getting to Good: A Guided Journal
2. Make a Summer Preparedness Kit for the car.
Keep a plastic bin, large bag, or sturdy basket full of essential summer items in the back of your car so that you can be ready for anything summer’s spontaneity throws at you. Check the link above for a list of items.
3. Stash a Favorite Places List in your car or purse.
Have a list readily available of at least 7-10 free or cheap familiar places that you and your kids already love. When you all need to get out of the house or you’re looking for a quick stop between errands, just refer to the list. Ideas include favorite playgrounds, hiking trails, river access point, patio restaurant, splash pads, or library.
The good news is that if you’ve already packed your car with your summer essentials kit, you should be prepared for any and every spontaneous stop.
4. Create a Summer Bucket List.
Your bucket list is a separate list of new-to-you places worth planning ahead for and inviting friends along. You can access the 2023 Hill Country Summer Bucket list for a variety of ideas.
Remember to add library programs to your calendar so your kids can learn a new craft or skill for free. You’ll have to plan ahead for these because many require pre-registration (and showing up on time.)
5. Squeeze in adult time.
Set specific date nights for you and your spouse as you plan your summer. Schedule a few moms’ nights out for mid-week escapes. Hold those dates sacred, and don’t let lack of a babysitter cause you to cancel. There are plenty of family-friendly hot spots where you can enjoy time with another adult while the kids are occupied on a playground or in a sandbox nearby.
5. Have indoor play kits ready.
Use toys or craft items you already have to create themed kits for indoor play time. Tuck them away in your closet or garage until a rainy or super hot day. A few kit ideas include:
– Dress up play with costumes and accessories
– Puppet theater with an old sheet, socks or paper sacks, random crafts, and markers
– Bring a board game to life – for example, make a kit with Candyland, multiple colored construction paper sheets to spread throughout the house, and a wrapped treat for making it to the end.
– Indoor scavenger hunts with prizes (use picture flashcards for littles)
– Car racing kit with some painters’ tape and hot wheels
– Kids’ scrapbooking kit – include printed photos from the last year, scrapbook papers, stickers, felt, and markers
– Fort-building kit – sheets and throw pillows (stock up at a thrift store) , clothespins, flashlights, new board books, and a few stuffed animals
6. Plan a short trip.
Not comfortable with flying right now? That’s ok. Road trips are all the rage. Book a house on the beach or explore an historic town nearby. Be sure to choose a location that has plenty of outdoor activities.
But if you want all the fun of a vacation yet don’t want to spend extra cash on staying overnight, day trips are still a fantastic option and will feel like a great escape.
6. Put those kids in camp.
Our favorite type of camp is Vacation Bible School. They’re usually free or really cheap and offer a couple hours of good clean fun. They fill up quickly, though, so get your kids registered ASAP.
Wherever this summer may take you, I hope you feel empowered and prepared for anything with this Mom’s Guide to Summer! Don’t miss out on future posts about family fun in Texas this summer, travel tips, and the best road trip destinations… subscribe below!
