How to Get Organized for a Fun & Stress-free Summer
The summer brings on all new routines and activities. Whether you have kids or not, it’s all about planning and preparing to make the most of it.
If you have kids, try to create independent activities for your children. This will provide you a break to complete needed tasks, affording you time a little later to spend with the kids. If you work remotely from home, creating independence is even more important, whether it’s directly for your child or to assist the in-home caregiver.
The following tips should help you enjoy summer and check off things on your bucket list. If you don’t have kids, the last two recommendations can be skipped or downsized.
- Stock Up: Before the start of summer, purchase items that you will need such as sunscreen, insect repellent, popsicles, art and craft supplies, etc.
- Calendar: Use a calendar to write each family member’s commitments and activities such as appointments, practices, swim lessons, meets/games, and camps/trips. Use a different color pen for each family member. The overall visualization will put your week and month in perspective.
When choosing a calendar, the number of family members will dictate the size needed. A calendar that has lines in each date box will enable you to keep the writing a little neater. - Bucket List: Have each family member write down things they would like to do this summer such as places or people to visit, or experiences. Next, schedule the bucket list items. If you have kids and want to make it a bit more fun, provide each family member small squares of paper of their favorite color. Then, have them write a bucket list item on each square and toss it into a commingled family bucket list. Next, when you put the item on the calendar, tape the square on the date.
Consider bucket list items to help your children learn and grow. For example, have them experience different modes of transportation like a taxi, bus, train, or plane. - Activity Bins or Totes: To create a grab and go system for activities, set up a bin or tote for each type. Below are some examples:
Pool Bin – items to snatch when headed to the community or neighbor’s pool such as a beach towel, goggles, sunscreen, and pool toys.
Art Tote – supplies needed for painting, coloring, or crafts.
Ball Bin – all types of balls (be sure to inflate the balls before summer).
Outdoor Fun – bubbles, sidewalk chalk, frisbee, water balloons, jump robe, etc.
Reading Tote – books you want to read this summer. - Boredom Busters – on the end of a popsicle stick write an idea to beat boredom such as play cards, build a puzzle, throw a frisbee, water-balloon toss, have a picnic, write a letter, read a book, play a board game, make a card, play hopscotch, hula-hoop, fly a kite, sidewalk chalk, etc. On the other end of the popsicle stick, shade it in with a color that will designate either an outdoor or indoor activity. Then, place the popsicle stick idea-side down in an “Boredom Buster Bucket.” When boredom hits, grab a popsicle stick based on the indoor or outdoor need.
Wishing you a happy, safe, and fun-filled summer!