Every year I would get extra large poster board size paper out and we would measure even lines, trace them with markers and make June, July and August calendars. I would draw the month names in bubble letters and my kids would decorate them. We would hang these calendars right in the kitchen (on our basement door).

First, we would write in all the scheduled things for the summer – swim team practices and meets, appointments, sports events, family visitors, our vacation, etc.   Then, we would read through the library catalog and sign up for all the free events that the libraries would host. I love the library. We have such awesome memories – puppet shows, animal shows, crafts, carnival type activities, park outings! We always participate in the summer reading program, too.

Then, we would look for other free activities. Do an internet search of free summer activities in your area.  We have a great “farm” that is free near Kansas City. There are hiking trails, parks, pools, etc.

After we exhausted the free ideas we would fill in a few days with exciting activities that cost money and of course we would leave some days to do nothing and/or meet up with friends.   We are still doing the same type of planning now. I have found that the big, inexpensive desk calendars work great. I am ripping off the summer months to hang up.

Our activities have changed as the kids get older but it is the fact that we plan it out that makes it special. That way you won’t get to the end of the summer and wish you had done more or planned better.   I have put together some simple tips to help you plan your summer:

1. IDEA FILE - Keep a file with summer activity ideas – create a file named summer or use the June tab in my Freedom Action File.

2. KIDS INVOLVED - Get the family members involved. Have them each pick out one activity they really want to do this summer. Have them help decorate the calendar, write out the activities, research the details of an activity, etc. My kids are better than me on the computer doing a search and getting information quickly!

3. SORT - Sort your activity ideas. Start sorting by WILL do, WANT to do, MIGHT do. Write the WILL do activities on your calendar. Then sort the WANT to do activities by cost – free, minimal, and pricey.  

4. THINK IN CATEGORIES - I like to think in categories. Here are some categories that you might use to plan your summer. For each week, month or the summer as a whole, ask, “Do we have…?”

• One fun activity
• One down time-stay home day
• One minimal or pricey activity
• One service activity – even if it is baking cookies and sharing them with the neighbor
• One friend day
• One pool day
• One vacation
• One chosen activity for each child

5. WORKING MOMS: I am working a lot more in the summer than I used to and that provides new challenges. Here are some ideas for working moms.

• Take some time off and use these guidelines to make that time count.
• Use the tips above and have your childcare provider involved with the planning.
• Be sure your expectations are realistic. Communicate with your family and get their opinions on what is important and what having a great summer looks like to them!
• Don’t forget to take some time each week for YOURSELF! Exhausting yourself trying to make sure everyone is happy won’t work. Include this on the calendar and explain that it is important and necessary!

6. DON’T OVER BOOK – Be sure you have the down-time scheduled in! Don’t run yourself into the ground…it is the “relaxing” days of summer!

7. BONUS - Use this calendar to write your menu on, too. Now you know what each day looks like and if you have time to make a big dinner or quick one.

ACTION: Take 15 minutes right now to gather your supplies. Plan to have a family meeting tonight and get started. There are only 9 days left until my kids get out of school! WOW!

Happy SUMMER!!!!