We are officially living the summer life over here. And as much as I love summer and the freedom it brings, if I don’t keep some type of routine Monday through Friday then things get a little chaotic. My snack supply quickly diminishes, the house resembles a disaster zone in need of caution tape, the kids are restless with less playing and more whining and mom is no picnic either – no one wins. Anyone else? No worries. Today I’m giving you my summer schedule.
Every year we begin the summer season with 2 weeks of zero plans, zero schedule, zero routine. It is a breath of fresh air for 2 weeks and 2 weeks only. Then we settle in to what will be our summer schedule until school starts. There is plenty of variety with vacations, birthday parties, family reunions and weekends that it is easy to avoid that rigid routine feeling you may have through the school year.
Okay, let’s dive in.
I start with taking inventory of all the summer activities my kids will participate in, appointments that need to be addressed (dentist, yearly check-up, etc) and any big to do items like house projects, vacations, etc. This outlines the days that may not fit into our general routine.
Next, I make a list of my own routine and daily/weekly/monthly tasks to complete. I also determine (this is an estimate) when our days will begin and end. Basically, how much sleep do my kids need? What is a realistic bed time? When do they typically wake up without an alarm?
Every year needs a little tweaking. For example, this year we won’t be involved with any summer camps, sports activities or family reunions so with a lot of at home time we have to be a little more creative.
For now, this is what our Monday through Friday GENERALLY looks like. We are flexible for friends/family to come swim, a spontaneous late night or a rainy day perfect for all day movies. Don’t be too strict, it is summer after all!
Summer Schedule
5:00 – 5:30 : Time to start the day! Usually, this is my reading/prayer/sit in quiet time.
This does not come natural. I force myself to do this because I can tell a difference in my productivity, my mood and over well-being when I wake up early.
5:30-8:30 : Work time!
Most of this time is spent working on this blog. If you work from home this is perfect, uninterrupted time. Pay Bills, Fold laundry, check emails, order groceries online, whatever tasks are best done without distraction, this is your time.
8:30 – 9:00 : My kids are fully awake and ready for breakfast.
9:00 – 9:45 : Workout
My kids have been enjoying working out with me so I keep my workouts later so they can join me. Otherwise, I would likely get my workout in during those early morning hours.
9:45 – 10:30 : Morning Chores
Make your bed, Brush your teeth, Get dressed, Straighten your room if needed. Quick Shower for Mom!
10:30 – 11:30 : Outside time + easy snack
It doesn’t really matter what we are doing as long as it is outdoors.
11:30 – 12:30 : Learning Time
This is super simple. I usually pick a subject for each day and it is most always hands on. Sometimes I am very involved and other times I get them started so I can do something else like fold laundry or hide in the closet with chocolate. You know? Whatever is needed for the day.
Crafting, Science Experiments, Educational Apps, Reading Time, Educational Board Games, ETC.
12:30 – 1:00 : Lunch Time
1:00 – 3:00 : This is play time!
Stay outside as much as possible. We have a pool so that is where most of this time is spent. I really try to be focused on playing with my kids during this time. Sometimes I work on that ever present to do list but this serves as a flexible time for both me and the kids.
3:00 – 3:30 : TV and Snack Time
3:30 – 4:30 : Afternoon Chore Time
As with anything else, this varies day to day. Picking up any toys/clutter we have out from the day, putting laundry away, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, organizing a closet, cleaning floors, whatever is needed for that day. And yes the kids help! Of course, their age determines their chores but it is important they learn to share the responsibility.
4:30 – 5:30 : Individual Play Time
I’m usually prepping dinner or finishing up any loose ends from the day. The kids are free to choose their activity.
5:30 – 6:00 : Outside Time
We usually spend this time playing with Ace (our Golden Retriever) or taking him for a walk.
6:00 – 7:00 : Dinner and Clean up
7:00 – 8:30 : Family Time
Family game night, movie night, swimming or simply being together.
8:30 – 9:30 : Bedtime Routines
Get ready for bed, Pick up toys, Reading and Lights out!! Lights out usually lingers closer to 10:00. We love this yoga routine to end the day as well!
The rest of the night is spent relaxing with Trae, prepping for the next day or finishing up some blog work.
And that’s a wrap!
I really love having a routine so we can squeeze it all in. I have found that feeling accomplished leads to motivation for the next day. We can take advantage of each season and what it has to offer when we are intentional with our time.
As school and activities start, we will adjust the routine for the next season.
I also enjoy reading others’ routines and learning what works best for them. Merrick’s Art shares her routine along with family routines that are great options.
What are some routines/schedules that work best for you? If you work outside the home, how do you make the most of that morning and evening time? I’d love to hear your best ideas!
Jess
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