As summer kicks off, many parents feel overwhelmed trying to create the perfect break for their kids. In fact, a study by Harmen Research found that 63% of parents spend a significant amount of time planning and organizing summer activities — which can quickly turn what should be a relaxing season into a stressful one.
That’s why the experts at On Our Sleeves are sharing five simple tips your family can use this summer. These ideas are designed to take some of the pressure off your shoulders while helping you bring more connection, fun and balance to your days.
1. Turn the little things into a big adventure.
Kids thrive on routine, but a small shake-up can turn an ordinary day into something special. You don’t need a big budget or fancy plans — just a fresh perspective. Here are some ideas to try:
- Take a bike ride or walk to your destination instead of driving.
- Eat a meal outside. Cook hot dogs over a campfire or bring some PB&J out on the front lawn. Eating among new scenery could be exactly what your family needs to reset.
2. Pick a few things to prioritize.
It’s hard to make everyone in the family happy. Pick a few activities that you think all or most of the family will enjoy, and make sure they happen. This might mean putting events on the calendar, saying no to other obligations, or saving a little extra money to make fun things happen. Here are some easy ways to do that:
- Write down ideas of things to do on scraps of paper, fold up each piece, and put them in a jar. Make sure you have some guidance for the ideas, such as how much it can cost, how long it will take and how far to travel. When you need something to do, pick an idea out of the jar and do it!
- Brainstorm three things each person wants to do this summer. Then, use the ideas to help plan out the summer. You can switch between free activities and activities that cost money. Don’t forget to switch between activities for the younger kids and ones for older kids.
3. Be flexible.
Don’t let a fun moment slip away. It’s OK to change plans or fix a routine to have some fun. Here’s what that might look like:
- Give yourself permission to delay the dishes if it means going on a family walk after dinnertime.
- Stay tuned in to your family’s mood and adjust when needed. Will the King’s Island trip be that fun if everyone is overtired and nursing a sunburn? Pivot to another activity instead.
4. Involve the whole family.
Working toward the same goal can bring the family closer together and create lasting memories.
- Find ways to include everyone in projects you need to do. For example, if you need to do garden work, ask your kids what you should grow in the garden, allow them to drop seeds into the soil or take turns watering the garden over the summer. Find ways that everyone can contribute.
5. Balance structured play with down time.
While structure can help kids feel more secure and in control, too much structure can lead to us missing out on spontaneous moments of connection with our kids and missing their needs. Here’s how you can balance both:
- Plan a half day off from work to do an activity at home or somewhere local.
- Have a list of activities the kids can do during downtime, such as a library book, seek and find book, LEGO, painting/drawing, or pretend play items.
- Have a plan for screen time and communicate this plan with your kids so they know what to expect.
Finding the right balance between summer fun and structure isn’t always easy — but it is possible! We hope these simple tips help you feel more confident and prepared to make the most of the season with your family.
Visit childrensdayton.org/onoursleeves for free downloads and summer activities you can use with your family!
