The Transition from School to Summer Mode (Without Losing Structure)
Ah, summer. The season of sunscreen, sticky popsicles, and kids who somehow always end up filthy by 10 a.m. While it’s tempting to throw all the rules out the window once that final school bell rings, I’ve learned the hard way that total freedom can quickly turn into chaos (Think: kids fighting over screen time, endless cries of “I’m bored,” and parents wondering why they thought summer was going to be relaxing.).
Here’s the thing—kids thrive on structure, even during summer break. But before you panic and start drafting a color-coded summer schedule, don’t worry. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to keep the summer vibes flowing without letting the wheels fall off.
1. Ease Into It
The first few days of summer, my kids are usually operating on what I call “school hangover mode.” They’re tired, cranky, and ready to veg out. Instead of diving straight into a strict summer routine, I let them decompress. Lazy mornings? Sure. Extra screen time? Okay. But by day three, it’s time to get it together—or risk them turning into feral creatures.
2. Set a Flexible Daily Rhythm
Notice I said rhythm, not schedule. Summer is supposed to be chill, so there’s no need to micromanage every hour. Instead, we stick to a loose structure that goes something like this:
• Morning: Chores, reading, or any “productive” activities
• Midday: Outdoor play or an outing
• Afternoon: Creative time (drawing, building, or crafting)
• Evening: Family time or independent play
This way, there’s some predictability, but enough wiggle room for spontaneous ice cream runs or sprinkler shenanigans.
3. Embrace the Power of “Must-Do” Lists
Rather than barking out orders (which, let’s face it, gets old fast), I give my kids a “must-do” list for the day. It might include:
• Brush your teeth
• Read for 20 minutes
• Tidy up your toys
• Spend at least 30 minutes playing outside
Once they’ve checked off their list, they can move on to whatever they want—within reason.
4. Keep Bedtimes Consistent-ish
Look, I’m not saying your kids need to be in bed by 7:30 every night (unless you’re lucky enough to have that kind of magic). But completely abandoning bedtime routines can wreak havoc when it’s time to transition back to school. I aim for consistency during the week, with a little more flexibility on weekends. The key is to avoid letting summer nights turn into midnight movie marathons—because we all know who pays for that the next day.
5. Mix in Some Fun Learning
“Summer slide” isn’t just a playground fixture—it’s also what happens when kids forget half of what they learned in school. But don’t panic! Keeping their brains engaged doesn’t mean you have to bust out worksheets. However, I do recommend including some worksheet or workbook activity (like Summer BrainQuest). We also do fun stuff like:
• Cooking: Measuring ingredients is basically math, right?
• Nature walks: Identify plants or play “I spy” with colors and shapes
• Reading challenges: Bribery via library programs works wonders. Check your local library for their Summer Reading Challenge! Most even have challenges for adults.
6. Give Them a Say
Kids love feeling in control (don’t we all?), so I let mine help plan the week. We’ll sit down on Sunday and brainstorm activities, outings, or even what’s on the snack menu. They’re way more likely to cooperate when they’ve had a hand in the planning.
7. Don’t Forget Yourself
Here’s a truth bomb that I know you’ve heard before: You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s easy to get caught up in keeping the kids entertained, but don’t forget to carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book on the porch, sneaking off for a coffee date with a friend, or hiding in the pantry with chocolate (no judgment), make it a priority.
8. Embrace the Imperfect
No matter how well you plan, there will be days when the kids are whiny, the house is a mess, and you’re counting down the minutes until bedtime. That’s okay. Remember, summer isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating memories. In fact, some of the best ones happen when things don’t go according to plan.
So, there you have it. A little structure, a little flexibility, and a lot of grace go a long way in surviving—and even thriving—through the summer months. Now, go enjoy that sunshine. You’ve got this!
