We all know that summer is just about here and the kids will be out of school if they aren't out already! My two oldest are finished with school as of today. That means it's crunch time for me to figure out just how to keep my kids busy this summer. What I'm trying to figure out is what kind of plan I want to have. In other words, do I want a plan or do I want to just "go with the flow" so to speak? What I do know is that I want to have a great summer with my kids with great memories. I think every mom has the idea that they need to constantly plan ahead to keep things flowing smoothly. While I'm a believer that planning is good, I'm also a believer that spontaneity is just a little bit more fun! Don't you think?

I've come up with a few tips for moms to keep their sanity this summer!

1. Switch Things up!

Typical routines like breakfast, lunch, dinner and nap routines are great for kids especially when they are used to doing those things at a certain time. I think too much of a summer routine, might throw them off a little. I like the idea of taking their typical routines and moving them somewhere else. Try breakfast outside in the yard or on the patio or deck. Do lunch or dinner at the beach or park. If you have little ones that nap, try a nap in the carriage at the zoo for example. We all know that there are plenty of summer days where you just have to go with the flow. I guess that's why they call it the lazy days of summer!

2. Plan a Little/Live on the Edge a Little!

It is nice to know that you have days planned and tickets purchased for upcoming events. Something to look forward to is always exciting! It's also fun to wake up and say, "Let's go to the beach today!" I think spur of the moment outings are great. You just never know what could happen and that's what's so much fun about it.

3. Stock up!

I think the hardest part about summer is knowing you have to go food shopping with your kids. I love the idea of stocking the fridge up with lots of fruits, veggies, snacks, lunch items, grill food etc. and getting to the grocery store as little as possible. This way you can pack their lunches and snacks and keep it with you all day in a portable cooler. These coolers are great for parks, beaches, zoos, play dates or long car rides.

4. Keep a Calendar

As much as I would like to not schedule something in for every day this summer, we all know things come up. Birthday parties, camps, doctors appointments, vacations etc. In order to save my own sanity, I will certainly be using a monthly appointment book. Preferably one I can throw in my beach tote!

5. Make Memories

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. It totally brings me back to when I was a kid and I know my kids really enjoy it too. What I want most out of this summer is to really take it all in and enjoy it with my family. I want to sit back and relax with my kids and enjoy these moments with them. Wouldn't it be nice to put the idea of messy house, or work away for the day and just be a kid? Heck! Go for a bike ride or do a cannon ball in the pool! Try running through the sprinklers or collecting bugs with your kids. Put everything aside and make memories!

Do you have any survival tips for summer? Are you a planner or do you go with the flow?

Jessica

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by Jessica G