Summer Break Survival Tips

Published June 1, 2018

School is out, the sun is shining, and the kids are ready to enjoy all that summer has to offer. But as a parent, how do you weather the sudden transition to lunches at home, the bustle of activities, and the summertime classic, “I’m B-O-R-E-D?” The key is a combination of preparation and spontaneity, and it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Stock a summer survival bag with the basics.

This will be what you reach for first when getting everyone out the door for summer fun. Find a backpack or tote bag, and fill it with the following essentials: sunscreen, empty water bottles, a ziplock bag of wet wipes, a few band-aids (they make everything better), and a few packaged snacks. Depending on the ages of your kids, you may want to add diapers, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

2. Prepare the fridge for constant use.

There’s nothing like summer to make kids hungry ALL the time, and it’s nice to have things on hand for grab-and-go lunches and snacks. Make fruit smoothies and PBJ sandwiches in advance and put in the freezer for easy breakfasts or mid-afternoon snacks, transferring from the freezer to the fridge the night before. A selection of cheese and salami sliced and ready to go with crackers is another kid-friendly lunch solution. An assortment of fresh fruit and veggies will be a welcome snack when the temps are high and will help keep dehydration at bay. If you dedicate a special place in the fridge for these prepared items, your kids will enjoy having the freedom to pick and choose.

3. Create a special summer fun bag to ward off boredom.

A quick trip to the Dollar Store will have you set up in no time and provide a welcome reprieve from electronics time. Consider the classics: a package of sidewalk chalk for outdoor games and art, squirt guns or water balloons for an instant cool down, a few bottles of bubbles, a blow up beach ball. Also consider putting together a rainy day bag with a few books, coloring pages, crayons, and puzzles.

Preparing to be spontaneous? It may sound contradictory, but you’ll find that taking these few steps will ease your summer transitions and set you up well for summer fun.

 


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