How Should Kids Fill Summer Days?

Summer days are long and, let’s face it, when there’s no structure at all things get chaotic. Aimless.

So while it’s good for kids to do random things of little Adult Import, it’s also good to have a few tricks up your sleeve. A tad bit of structure will mean there’s less fighting and complaining.

Fill in the main activities first

You can get an entire summer schedule for kids right here, and I encourage you to check it out.

But while you’re here, let’s talk about adding in first things first. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you don’t want your kids doing some useful things. In your summer schedule, make sure and have in some basic daily things.

• Meal & snack times
• Chores
• Activities (lessons, sports, etc.)

Add in extras or goals

Those are the daily basics. After you’ve got those down you’ll want to make sure your kids are getting lots of outdoor time. Summer is perfect for this. We know Vitamin D is is good for health and the outdoors are an essential part of life.

Depending on where you live, make sure your child spends as much time outdoors as they are able. Mornings, afternoons, evening walks, etc.

• Book reading lists
• Side ventures to make money (think lemonade stand)
• Learning a skill

Let your kids get board

This is important: don’t take your kids’ boredom to heart.

Boredom is a good sign that your child has run out of entertainment and now has to make their own. This is the spice of life and it’s where your children will learn to handle boredom without turning to screens.

Make sure there are the types of toys or materials around where they can make their own fun. Forts, play clothes, random wood or outdoor materials that can be fashioned into forts, large cardboard boxes, etc.

Read on how to craft an entire summer schedule here

Be careful with screens

An important note this day in age. It’s important you don’t let your kids fritter away their days on screens.

Just don’t.

They are a net negative on children, not a positive.

You don’t have to dump screen time completely, of course, but make sure that it’s always earned. Not a given. If your child wants screen time then require chores first. Require reading, outdoor play, etc. and then and only then let your child on a screen.

And even then, let it be only an hour or so.

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