The Switch to Summer...So Long School
- shanin k
- Jun 14, 2024
- 2 min read
It's finally here. Summer! We are more than ready. Everyone is tired of the school routine. The summer camps have been booked, summer jobs secured, and the summer calendar is filling up! Here are four things I prioritize to get us into summer mode:
As soon as possible, go through those backpacks. It is a short window before it's too late, and they are lost to a corner for the summer, at least in my house. Do a backpack dump on a large table. Most items will be tossed. I find it easier to have the kids pick out the few items they want as memories from the year. I will take a second pass for any supplies that can be salvaged and assignments or artwork to be saved. After that...throw away the rest. You'll thank yourself in August, so don't let it get thrown into a corner and forgotten.
We keep a summer staples bin ready at our main exit door. This includes sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and hats. Taking inventory of anything that needs to be replenished and being ready for that first long sunny day is a must. This avoids last-minute scrambling when you're trying to get out the door.
I review the needs of kids going to camp or off to work. Having a separate bin for necessary uniforms or supplies, so they are easily accessible, is a smart move. Don't forget to check if snacks or lunch are needed and do that shopping well before the start dates.
Sit down and take a minute to create a summer bucket list. We include going to the movies, trying a new park, water balloon fights, rainy day card games, and spontaneous ice cream trips after dinner. Yes...even with the teenagers. You might get the eye rolls, but I coax them along for some sibling time. It can be a mix of planned expenses and free backyard fun. With one heading off to college in the fall, I am committed to making sure we pack in as much sibling time as possible this summer.
We head into summer organized but also ready to roll with what the weather and schedule allow. It's a time for ice cream for dinner, impromptu late-movie nights, sleepovers, and late wakeups. The start of school will be here in a blink, so soak up the summer fun!
