We are getting close. The Sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the kids will be home from school for summer break very soon. It’s Okay, I promise. I’ve got some tips to help the whole family thrive.
Sleep: Sleep affects mood, behavior, cognitive ability, and health (specifically it keeps obesity and diabetes at bay.) Regular sleep schedules are wildly important for humans of all ages, and if you are 6-13 you need about 9-12 hours of sleep while people ages 14-17 need about 8-10 hours of sleep. I know that everyone wants to stay up a little later since the sun is up and the fun is still going on… that’s ok, just let those night owls stay in bed a little longer.
Schedules: Chaos brings anxiety. A kid who knows what’s up, especially about where they have to be, who will be protecting them, and when they will get to eat is a kid who is more independent, secure, and emotionally healthy. Involve kids in the planning process, make the schedule visual – ‘there’s an ap for that’, balance chores and fun, and be consistent with enough flexibility to accommodate issues that come up. When needed, model calm ways to make those accommodations.
Ideas for Adventure: Explore nature through biking, walking, bird watching, rock climbing, stone finding, berry picking, or camping. Learn a new skill by checking out cookbooks from the library and making meals together, grow food and herbs in a garden, or learn a new language. Join summer groups at your local zoos, festivals, libraries, and museums. Try something new like painting rocks, making a scavenger hunt, playing new games, reading new books, or doing an outdoor movie night.
Stay Intentional: Kids need family time, safety, and healthy food. Make sure kids stay hydrated, are protected from heat via sunscreen and shelter, stay within their age group for activities, are with a safe person, and are able to reach you in an emergency. Know where to get help when needed. Your local library, human resources office, schools, and police station can give you a list of resources like the backpack program where kids can get food for weekends and school breaks.
You’ve got this! You are not alone. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” -Fredrick Douglass