Summer is right around the corner and it is a time we all look forward to.
The prospect of warmer weather, of school being out and just a lot going on is very exciting.
Being able to work in the garden, eat dinner on the patio and go for bike rides.
In the beginning it is like a vacation we enjoy the break from routine, of doing other things and for some even sleeping in.
In the spring there seems to be a push to get more done, with big projects piling up and deadlines looming and sometimes overlapping.
Summer provides a welcome break from all of it.
For those of you with kids, summer starts out to be exciting, but by about halfway through it starts to lose its luster.
The kids start fighting, they are bored and you can't get anything done or find time to just do nothing.
If your kids are teenagers this can be even more of a challenge.
By the time the last few weeks f summer roll around you find yourself at your wits end, wishing for school to start back up again.
You wish you didn't feel this way, but you've tried everything you can and nothing seems to help at least for very long.
There are some things you can do to make your summer more enjoyable and still feel like you've had a chance to enjoy it yourself.
If you can ward of boredom and lack of routine you will be in good shape and on your way to maintaining your sanity.
I have offered several suggestions below on how to do just that.
The first thing I'd suggest is to make some plans and do it ahead of time.
So many people wait until the last minute to book a spot in that favorite camp or vacation spot, only to find out they are full.
With a little planning a head this can be avoided.
The second suggestion I would make is to plan your activities for each month of your summer.
So many families plan events in the beginning of the summer and then have nothing to look forward to for the remainder of the vacation.
When that becomes 8 to 9 weeks of time, it is easy for boredom and bickering to set in.
This means to plan an activity for June, one for July and another for August.
My family has always gone on a vacation in August that is a Family Reunion where all my siblings attend so my children get to see all of their cousins for a weekend of swimming, water skiing, playing games and just having a lot of fun.
It is a great way to end the summer.
A third suggestion is to create a routine as best you can.
One of the benefits of school is the structure and routine it provides, without it children can feel uncomfortable, irritable and sometime even anxious.
I know teenagers feel better if they know what is going on and what to expect.
A fourth tip is to be clear and specific on what any rules or guidelines might be especially when it comes to curfews and any household responsibilities.
Will your child need to get a job? Or will they need to be home at certain times? Are they aware of what your schedule will be? Again, the more the kids know in advance the better they will feel so be sure to keep them in the loop as much as possible.
As Your Assignment this week, take a few minutes to look ahead to summer and see what you have in mind and where you might need to fill in some holes.
I am sure the valuable suggestions above will help.
If this article sparked your interest and you would like to know more please contact me at Maureen@Findingyourwaycoach.
com or you may call me directly at 614-402-4779.
I look forward to hearing from you.