As the start of school approaches I feel a sense of urgency to rest, have fun and recharge. We are starting to sleep in more and get lazy about chores. Today I share some tips and even some freebies to get the most out of these last precious few weeks of summer break with your kids. The things to really focus on are prioritizing, resting, and spending quality time with loved ones.
1 – Summer Block Schedule
A Summer block schedule allows for flexibility around activities that often change, with a more rigid structure for sleep, meals and snacks. It is important to loosen the schedule a bit but if it is too unscheduled we waste away the days.
Click Here for the Summer Block Schedule
2 – Mini Breaks
As a busy mom it is crucial to take time for yourself. I know how difficult that is but it is crucial you take 5 – 10 minutes for yourself several times per day.
Whether it’s waking up a bit earlier for some quiet time, taking a short walk alone, or indulging in a hobby (like coloring click here for free a coloring page), having this time scheduled ensures it doesn’t get overlooked in the midst of a busy schedule.
You can have a spot where people know you need a break. It can be a small corner where you have a chair or pillow. This is mommy’s rest chair. No one can bother mommy when she is in her chair. This can be your quiet time for 5 minutes when you need to calm down and take a step back.
3 – Journaling
Journaling is a great way to clear your mind of the clutter. The best part is that it’s a total blank canvas! There is no wrong way to journal. All you have to do is open it up, grab something to write with, and attempt to put something from your brain onto paper. It can look like a phrase, a list, a drawing, a doodle, a memory verse, a rant, or absolutely anything else that you come up with. My kids embellish their journal pages with stickers and washi tape. They call this bullet journaling. It is almost an art form.
I actually have 3 journals. There is my book journal where I list and jot notes about the books I am reading. There is a note on what I thought of it, would I recommend it and would I read it again. The second is my prayer journal. Here is where I write down my prayers, thoughts about things God has done in my life and in the world. I even write about some of my favorite verses and how they spoke to me. The third journal is a traditional type with events of the day and hope and dreams for tomorrow.
A journal is a safe space into which you can put some of yourself. It can be a tool to help you let go of some of the burdens from the last year and create a vision for the year to come.
4 – Resting
Once your kids outgrow that magical afternoon nap, it can be tempting to fill the entirety of the day with activity! While it’s great to take advantage of this extra freedom to do more as a family, your daily routine as a family shouldn’t neglect rest.
Everyone gets grumpy when they are overtired and overscheduled. Resist the urge to fill the day from top to bottom and set aside a sacred hour of rest in your afternoon.
Use this hour, not to catch up on laundry, but to invest in you! Make this the time that you read that book you never had time to, or learn a new recipe. It’s even a great chance to sneak in an afternoon nap for you!
5 – Spend Quality Time with Others
Even though it can be difficult to find time without the kiddos constant needs and interruptions, make an effort to prioritize quality time with your friends, and husband.
I used to try to meet moms and their kids at the pool. That was not a place to connect or enrich a friendship. We were constantly watching the kids, helping the kids and getting snacks for the kids. It is good to have other adults around during pool times and park times, but I do not consider it quality time that grows friendships.
This doesn’t have to be an extravagant outing —simple activities like a movie night at home after the kids have gone to bed or dinner at home while kids are playing in the basement (after you feed them) can make a big difference. Have your friend over to color and send the kids to the backyard or basement for a game or scavenger hunt.
The key is to create moments where you can focus on another adult to keep your friendships and marriage strong.
Avoid Burn Out
If we don’t want to burn out, we have to invest in our own hearts, health, friendships, and prioritize whatever it is that recharges you. Take these last few weeks of summer and use it as a season to refuel your heart. Mothering is an important journey. Find your pace, so you can keep feeling encouraged, well rested and balanced.