Summer used to be a time for parents to kick back. No need to nag kids about their failing tests, wake up early to prepare breakfast for them or urge them to finish their book report. For the most part, summer can be a terrific break from school and the usual regimen, but not if you’re a working parent.
Kids get bored easily and are always looking for something to do. It can be a big challenge to juggle the kids’ activities with all your other responsibilities.
More kids mean more chaos and more activities. Here are some survival tips to help you get through the summer.
Have a family member or a baby sitter help out
Teenagers are eager to pick up jobs during the summer. If you have younger kids, you might be able to get away by asking teenage babysitter to supervise the kids. They can fix their lunches, play games with them or ferry them to the pool and the park while you’re at work. But if you can’t afford a baby sitter, try to seek help from family members.
Set up play dates
If you have some friends in the neighborhood whose kids enjoy playing with yours and whom you can trust, consider setting up play dates. Agree on a day of the week when you can bring your kids to their house, and days when their kids come to yours.
Lighten your workload
If you’ve been working late for the past few months, summer might be the best time to cutback. If you’re a work at home mom or dad, you can double time for a few weeks and get things done, so you can take spend time with your kids this summer. Also, try not to take on new projects for the next couple of months.
Plan ahead
Some parents feel guilty if their children are not constantly being entertained. That said, thoughts of how to occupy their kids distract them from work. Why not ask your kids what they would like to do this summer. Which activities and programs would they like to participate in? Now, create a weekly and monthly schedule to make sure they make the most out of their time.