The lack of structure during summer break can cause your child to sit around feeling bored or unmotivated. This is why it is important to create a schedule for your child this summer. The key is to ensure they have something to do while school is out. While it’s important for your child to have some time to relax while school is out, there are plenty of activities that may allow them to discover new hobbies. Below are a few ways you can help add structure to your child’s schedule.
Creates a Routine
It is important for children to stay in a routine, even when school is out for summer. This is especially true for younger children who are still learning to adjust to change. Setting a summer schedule for your child allows them to stick to a routine and this means they always know what to expect from their day. Setting clear expectations is important since they may be more inclined to stay up late or sleep in while school is out. Help them stick to a general routine to avoid compromising their sleep schedule.
Prevents Boredom
It is easy for your child to become bored when they do not have any activities on their agenda. You can help prevent boredom by creating a schedule for summer. One idea is to put together a schedule for Monday through Friday that includes fun and educational activities. You can let them have the weekends to themselves, just like they would during the school year. Scheduling a few activities will help them have something to look forward to each week.
Keeps Them Active
Creating a summer schedule is also a great way to keep your child from sitting in front of the television or playing on their devices all day. You can come up with activities to get them outside for a few hours. When you are off work, you may want to spend the afternoon at the museum, aquarium, or zoo to add both leisure and educational activities to the summer.
Creates Family Time
You also have the opportunity to spend quality time with your family by creating a summer schedule. For example, you may plan a night of cooking dinner together or having breakfast at a local diner. This way, you can spend time with your child without worrying about homework, quizzes, and school nights. If you need a little downtime, consider adding a family movie night to the agenda.
Encourages Socialization
While spending time with family is valuable for children, it is also important that they maintain their social skills. Are you looking for a way to encourage your child to socialize this summer? You can always send them to a summer camp. Summer camps like Galileo Learning allow your child to interact with peers in their age group while participating in hands-on activities. They get a dose of art, science, and engineering to create an exciting, educational summer. It also keeps your child in a routine, even when you are at work.
If you want to keep your child in a routine while encouraging them to be active and social, it is best to put together a summer schedule. Helping your kids make the most of their free time will help make their summer vacation one to remember.
About the author:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan