Mom’s Guide to Summer
School is out be out for the summer. While we may be fantasizing about lazy days by the pool mid-January, the reality of summer can become more stressful than relaxing if we don’t put a little effort into planning ahead. Here are some tips for making this summer run as smooth as possible for kids and moms alike.
Create a battle plan: Start by making a bucket list with your kids of all the things your family wants to do and accomplish by the end of summer. Once you’ve decided what’s doable, you can begin scheduling trips and activities.
Stock up: While you still have precious time to shop alone, stock up on bulk paper goods, popsicles, snacks, bug spray and sunscreen. Now is also a good time to create activity buckets that can be pulled out as soon as you hear, “Mom, I’m bored.” These can be a simple as sidewalk chalk and bubbles or stocked with everything they need for a d.i.y. science experiment.
Pack your bags: If your family frequents the pool, keep a bag ready with towels, sunscreen, pool toys and non-perishable snacks. If you hit the playground often, keep a bag in the car ready with a picnic blanket, change of clothes and first aid kit. This will make getting out the door a lot easier.
Establish Routines: This may seem counterintuitive to a lazy summer, but kids crave routine. Try to eat meals at pre-set times. Make a list to go on the refrigerator of all the things your kids need to do each day before the tv is turned on. This can include chores, outside time, reading time, etc.
“Mom, I’m hungry!” : Planning out your meals in advance will give you more time to relax and avoid the need for frequent fast food and pizza delivery. Also, help your kids help themselves. Set up snack bins on a low shelf in the pantry with healthy snacks that the little ones can serve themselves. In the refrigerator, set up a sandwich box with all the fixings to make lunch quick and easy. Prepare a large self-dispensing container of whatever your kids like to drink the night before. This will cut down on waste and the time it takes to make drinks for each child.
Time out for mom: Try getting up an hour before the little ones to relax with a cup coffee and enjoy some quite alone time before the kids wake up needing breakfast and diaper changes. This is vital for your sanity. Happy mom, happy family!
We at Oncall Medical Clinic of Ocean Springs hope these tips helps our Moms have an enjoyable and less stressful Summer with their kids. Please remember when sickness or accidents occurs we are here to help, please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Also please visit or website at www.oncallclinic.com for all the services we offer.