Lowering the Stress of Summer Parenting

The days are getting longer and finally a lot warmer, which can only mean one thing: summer break is almost here!

This time of year is generally fun and full of excitement, but for families with young kids, it can also be a period of transition as everyone looks ahead to a new routine.   

If you’re a parent whose feeling a tad (or a lot) uneasy about the shakeup to your daily groove, you’re not alone. Afterall, humans — especially kids —are creatures of habit and after 10 months of settling into a comfortable school-work-life balance, it’s natural to be anxious about an upcoming change.

SUMMER CHECKLIST

The trick to keeping your cool as a parent this summer boils down to two simple words: Be prepared. 

Here are just some examples of what that means:

• Brace Yourself: Parenting is challenging during the best of times, nevermind when there’s a change to the status quo. Anticipate the possibility of a shaky transition at first so you’re not caught of guard and remind yourself that even if things start off rough, they will settle down before long.

 

• Make a Plan: I can’t highlight this one enough. While no doubt a time-consuming exercise, planning out schedules and activities is key to lowering the dial on summer stress. For example: 

 

• Research kid-friendly programs, activities, playgrounds and/or camps well in advance.
• Map out pick-up and drop-off schedules with your spouse.
• Explore rainy day alternatives for when the need arises.
• Connect with friends, family and/or neighbours and arrange kid-friendly get togethers.
• Make note of any work travel or scheduling conflicts and plan accordingly.

 

• Call for Backup: When it comes to successful summer parenting, don’t attempt it alone! Share childcare responsibilities with your partner whenever possible and reach out to other members of your inner circle to help make it work.

 

• Involve Your Kids: Whether it’s gardening or grocery shopping, summer is a great time to involve your kids in everyday tasks around the house. Make it fun by blasting some upbeat music, turning chores into a game or creating a completion chart. Be sure to reward yourself for a job well done!

 

• Prioritize “You Time”: As rewarding as it is, all that planning and entertaining can be exhausting! Be sure to plan “you time” this summer with as much intention as you plan for your kids. 

 

• Have Fun: The best thing about summer is that it’s a more carefree and casual time than the rest of the year. And while I don’t recommend “winging it” completely over the next two months, I strongly endorse having fun as an essential ingredient for successful summer parenting. Eat meals outside, go barefoot and let them run loose through the sprinkler — it’s summer in Canada and there’s simply nothing better!