I love summer. I love that our schedules are more relaxed, our routines a little more flexible and our lives a little more open. I did notice though, right after Kennedy was done with preschool, that the summer would be VERY long if I didn't implement SOME kind of routine. Besides, I have clear memories of sitting down as a family growing up on the verge of summer and my mom and us kids deciding on and agreeing to the "summer rules." Why shouldn't I do likewise to my kids?! So, in my own efforts to raise capable and responsible children (and to also aid in my sanity!), I sat down with my girls and gave them their "summer rules."
Since they ARE only 5 and 3, I had to make them age appropriate. They are:
- Eat Breakfast
- Do Your Chore (s)
- Get Dressed, Brush Your Teeth and Comb Your Hair
- Kennedy- work in her workbooks
- Pieper- practice coloring or some other hands-on activity
- Storytime- either books or stories out of The Friend
- Be Happy! (probably the most important of the day!)
- No cartoons until all are completed
- No friends or playdates until after lunchtime
Honestly, I am not perfect in doing each one everyday, but I am finding that the girls LOVE having a list to look at and mark off. They are happy because they are busy and I am happy because they are not moping around whining that they are "bored." I think it'll be a good summer.
5 comments:
We are here! We got to Puyallup Saturday evening and I would love to see you before we leave in August!
That is a great idea! I have been wanting to do the same thing with Kaiya or else its going to be a lllooonnnggg summer.
Good idea sis! Hope it helps...
the summer rules/chores are a must! Mine are still fighting me about it...6 weeks later. But...they do them and they are rewarded by nearly daily trips to the pool. Plus...it gets me out of the house! Good job!
How did I completely forget your blog is private! I have to catch up now on your beautiful family. I'm sure you've been having a wonderful summer!
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