Legit Nervous for Summer
-
I have elementary aged kids and as Summer approaches I’m finding myself panicking a bit. I love my children but 3 months in the heat while balancing work is just a lot. I wish we could spend the Summer traveling but it’s not in the cards for us, we have one vacation planned to look forward to.
Any advice for how to make it through?
-
Yes, I feel you. I utilize high school babysitters for a break for myself and for my kids. Summer is a lot of togetherness but come July everyone is ready for a little space. I'll hire a babysitter a couple of times a week for fresh energy in the house while simultaneously giving me a break to do something on my own and recharge. High school is typically cheaper rates than college
-
@Green-Lizard I have four kids and the fear of summer is real! While some things get easier, the endless unscheduled days can be daunting! I am not great at scheduling so in order to prevent wasted day after day I made a plan. I can up with daily check lists of expectations and light chores… make bed, dirty and clean clothes put away, feed pets, read for 30mins, practice math games for 30mins, exercise for 30 mins & outside time. After all the essentials are complete then we can go for a fun activity! There was a little groaning in the beginning but after a few days we all appreciate it!
I also liked to come up with a weekly routine, Monday movie, Tuesday trails, Wednesday workout, Thursday museum, Friday free day etc…this helped limit the options and more effectively come up with a plan! We would also include another mom and kids to help up the excitement. I also have found two gyms in west Austin that have drop in days, so instead of committing to a week of camp, we can sprinkle in a gym day when I need child care and my kids love this! You are going to do great! And just remember sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is time to be bored and learning how to slow down! You got this mom! -
My kids are younger, so I still have the full time daycare option while I work. However, my oldest starts kinder in August and I’m already thinking about this come next year. I would consider checking out a few local camp options or even day activities like what’s offered at the Nest on bee cave road. I’ve heard great things! Also, some daycares offer summer programs for younger elementary aged children. I know the Prep does - it’s called zone and the teacher is amazing!
If you have any family local you could consider a day a week with grandparents or cousins. I hope to switch off days like this with my sister who has similar aged kids so we can give each other a break and the kids some friend time and new environment. You could also try this same concept with good family friends!
I love the idea of a schedule like was mentioned in this thread! You got this momma!
-
Mom of younger kids here for any advice on this as well! With an in-office job, I’m not sure how to manage without camps, which aren’t full time either. My sister-in-law is a teacher here in Austin, and I’m considering paying her to keep my kiddo who will be in elementary school next year for a few weeks during the day in the summer.
-
the beginning and end of Summer looks very different for us. I actually try and do more camps and vacations towards the end of Summer when it's hot, everyone is sick of swimming and we're limping across the finish line.
June we lay low, do swim team and recover from the school year. It's also not as hot and more manageable overall.
As far as working I would try to carpool on camp drop off/pick ups and create a loose rotation of other working moms where you can each take an afternoon after camp to help each other with childcare/playdates.
I also try to have a few days a week where my kids get a break from one another. Whether that's camp, play dates etc
Having a couple activities a week planned is helpful too. Write it on a calendar so the kids know what's coming. Even if it's a splashpad, different pool or movie etc -
We do not travel a lot in the summer, either. I utilize camps as much as I can and reach out to friends for help with carpools, etc. High school babysitters are also the way to go. I definitely agree with this one. My kids love the high school girls, and they are creative and fun. Having your kiddos have summer jobs they do daily to help around the house is also helpful and keeps them held accountable for their messes. I always have a mandatory hour of quiet time in the afternoon; they can read, draw, or play, but they have to stay in their room, and it's a quiet time. They can rest and/or nap (ha, that would be nice if that happened). Summer is tough, you do your best and look forward to early August when school is back in session!
-
I’m also trying to figure this out and slightly panicked. I have four kids…8, 6, 3, and 1. I don’t really have anything planned at the moment other than a few day camps for the older two. I love some of the ideas on this thread and definitely plan to use a high school sitter to help me take kids to the pool, roller skating, etc. We also are doing neighborhood swim team for the first time so I’m hoping that’ll keep my crew busy for a few weeks. Best of luck to everyone!!
