Pandemic Parenting: Summer Break Mindset
I love sharing fun and useful products for parents! Some links I use are affiliate links including links for Amazon.com. I get paid a small commission without additional charge if you purchase from the links. The commissions fund this site to bring parents fun and helpful content! Thank you!
For over 2 months while the world has socially distanced, families have shared an abundance of ‘quality’ time during distance learning, work calls, and in-home entertainment.
Most will agree that the reprieve from online classrooms will be a welcome break, but what will those lazy days of summer look like this year?
How will the re-opening of the community look for…
Zoos?
Playgrounds?
Museums?
Summer Camps?
Amusement Parks?
Libraries?
Will the family vacation still happen? Will plans be changed or canceled?
Today is a good time to plan for some of the potential pitfalls ahead.
Plans will change or evolve.
Siblings will fight.
Kids will get bored.
Parents will “get sick and tired” this summer, as they work to maintain their parenting stamina.
The ongoing family togetherness and lack of community events may seem unending, but with some planning, summer can be saved!
Here are some strategies to set your family up for more peace and less chaos…
Minimize Confusion
Keep mealtime routines.
Create bins and areas to house summer toys, shoes, water bottles, and snacks.
Get everyone on the same page with routines and practice them so kids can see how it should be done. Routines like helping in the kitchen, or where to put wet beach towels, etc.
Plan for Disagreements
Set up a quiet time during the day. Separate kids for a set period of time. Use a timer so they know that when quiet time is over. During the quiet time they can…
nap
read
pick a quiet activity
Discuss strategies for conflict (fighting) resolutions.
Rock, paper scissors, or a coin toss can help solve who goes first in a game.
Take a break from each other until things cool off.
Leave the activity and do something else for a while. Maybe have a snack?
Set these strategies up and talk with the kids before conflicts happen. This way if kids are told to separate, they understand it’s a signal to cool off.
Change the atmosphere.
Try upbeat or low key music to change the mood.
Move activities outdoors or if you are outdoors, bring them inside.
Re-arrange furniture in a room. Consider using your coffee table as an inspiration station!
Treat yourselves if moodiness is starting to brew.
Agree upon acceptable TV shows or movies to play when kids need a break.
Enjoy a popsicle or bake some cookies.
Have a toolbox of activities and ideas handy to point to when you hear the long drawn out “I’mmmmm boooooored”
Set Expectations
Keep the rules broad and simple such as…
Be kind
Let someone else go first.
Draw a picture for someone having a bad day.
Play with a younger sibling.
Be Helpful
Pitch in.
Stick to the routines and rules.
Complete chores.
As adults, let go of some expectations such as…
Feeling like we need to entertain the kids every moment. Boredom is OK! Point to your boredom toolkit of activities but if that doesn’t work then, let them hang out in the boring mood and figure it out.
Think of consequences that won’t punish you alongside the kids. If you take away screens, how will that impact your pandemic family movie night? Maybe take away screens until a chore is completed or an apology letter is written?
Feeling sorry for a canceled trip or changed plans. Sure mourn the loss for a bit, but then move forward. Life is unpredictable and kids need to learn how to adapt and cope as well.
A stressful mindset. Put your feet in the kiddie pool and enjoy your pina colada with an umbrella while the kids play.
Plan some surprises! Banana splits? Bike rides? Forts?
Think now about how the right mindset and preparations can help maintain some of that summer charm.
Stay tuned all summer to Noteworthy Parenting for FUN SUMMER…
Activities
Resources
Tips
Hang in there parents and be the “positive” that the family needs!
Hello, World!
Follow my blog with BloglovinI love sharing fun and useful products for parents! Some links I use are affiliate links including links for Amazon.com. I get paid a small commission, without any additional charge to you if you make purchases from the links. The commissions are used to fund this site in order to bring fun and helpful content to parents! Thank you!