Keeping a Summer Routine

Summer can be really hard for children. During the school year they have routines that they can depend on. They know when meals will happen, they have a good idea of what each day will look like, and they understand what the rules and expectations are for each of the adults and environments they interact with. When all of this changes it can feel like the floor has dropped out from underneath them. This can lead to unexpected, and sometimes unwanted behaviors.

Continuing some of those same routines, and creating new ones definitely helps! Routines help make sure that tasks get completed, they keep us all a little happier and healthier. They also work best when they are intentional. Taking some time to consider which routines are helpful and valuable, and how these will fit into your summer schedule is a great place to start.

For example, we follow our same morning routines (breakfast, hygiene, getting dressed, etc.), we just do it a little less rushed. While we still need to complete the same tasks, we don’t have to do them quite as early or as quickly. The same is true for our bedtime routines. We might do them a little later in the summer, but we still shower, brush teeth and read stories before bed.

Other routines look very different during the summer than they do during the school year. Without the structure of the school day we flounder a bit, so we like to build a little of our own. We create new routines around physical activity, reading, learning opportunities, and social engagements.

The amazing thing about summer routines is that you get the opportunity to set them up in a way that works for your family. Consider childcare and work schedules, specific camps and classes, sports practices, nap schedules, and even vacations as you intentionally develop the kinds of routines that will support all of you!