Summer vacation is that time of the year where you’re stuck in the endless loop of ‘Mom, I’m bored!’ Isn’t it?
Or, in simple words, every day is like a Sunday. And indeed, it is! Beyond this, it’s all about sleeping whenever you want, playing until the evening, binge-watching some favorite cartoons, and whatnot.
Amidst this, it becomes quite difficult to create ‘that balanced’ summer schedule for your little ones who’re just thinking about their next mischief.
But do you know why it is really important to have a balanced schedule even during summer vacations? It’s not about restrictions, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids give their best performance when they follow a consistent and balanced schedule.
Read this article to learn how you can create a balanced schedule for your kids this summer vacation. In this article, we will include what chores you must add to their summer routine list.
Stress On Routine But Not Too Much
While routine should be an important aspect of a kid’s life, it’s not necessary to stress over scheduling every minute or hour. Kids, too, deserve some free time to have fun. After all, a summer break is to break free from the rigid school chores.
Therefore, it’s important to maintain a perfect balance between learning and playing.
Create a flexible summer schedule using crayons and stickers to add that appealing element.
Mind-Stretching Activities
Did you know there’s something called a summer slide? According to a study, this happens when students lose almost 20–30 percent of their study gains in math and reading during the summer break.
Therefore, keeping in constant touch with learning is needed. But learning doesn’t always need to be boring. You can start by setting up a little book corner for your kids where everyone can sit together for at least an hour and have regular discussions about different topics. Alternatively, you can also watch a movie and sneak in some learning and snacks so that they learn something new without even realizing it.
Physical Activity for Little Bodies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children. So, it’s time for you to turn into their personal trainer. Of course, you don’t need to be strict.
Schedule some fun races, like the sack race, frog race, lemon in a spoon race, and others, with rewards for the winner every weekend. You can even invite your kid’s school and neighbor friends and let the kids burn off their energy while having some quality time with their friends.
Limit Screen Time
Nowadays, kids are involved with smartphones and tablets from an early age. According to a survey, kids aged 8–12 spend almost 4 hours of their day on screen. It is an acceptable fact that spare time has become a staple in everyone’s life; however, maintaining a balance is equally important.
Therefore, make sure to replace most of the time your kids spend on screens with the time they spend on doing something creative, helping you in the kitchen, or maybe some outdoor play with their friends.
Take Time for Family Trips
The most exciting part about summer vacations are the family trips. This is the only time when you can get sufficient time to spend and bond together while capturing moments for life.
Whether it’s a picnic in a park, a day trip to a nearby town, or a visit to historical monuments, every moment has something to learn deeply about each other.
Takeaway
In the end, summer vacation schedules do not mean you have to be rigid with them. Be flexible and add some fun elements, such as unlimited play, memorable trips, new learning, and relaxation sessions. Mix fun with a little consistency and structure, and let your kids enjoy this summer break before they get ready for their upcoming school year. Happy summers!
If you’re looking for some fun summer activities, read our interesting article on the best activities for your kids this summer vacation.
