I think there are two types of moms when it comes to summer vacation:
1. The ones who love the easy days of summer, free from schedules, homework and
making lunches.
2. The ones who dread the carefree days of summer because there is no planned
activities and the kids will be on each others nerves before June ends!
As with most things, I think there is sanity in moderation. In other words, it's great to be able
to sleep late, not have to be anywhere at anytime and pick up and go do something fun on a
whim, but if you don't plan anything for the kids this summer it could be anarchy.
So now is the time to plan. Here are some things to think about:
* sit down with your spouse and look at the family calendar for June, July and August.
* write in any family vacations first
* if mom works part time, fill in those days as well and decide who will be watching the kids
* take all your "summer camp" brochures that are pouring in from school, the township and
general mail and pick out the ones your kids might be interested in.
* decide what you can afford for each child and eliminate any camps that are too expensive.
* decide how much time you will put your kids in camp. Some townships offer programs all
summer but for a few days a week or half days. These are usually inexpensive. Other
camps may be for one week only. Again, look at the calendar to find the best week(s) to
take advantage of these camps. Space them out with vacations so you have some down
weeks.
* get your registration in early - many camps offer a discount if paid by May.
* put everything you sign up for, on your family calendar
* think about what you want to accomplish this summer -if anything. Do the kids need
tutoring in any subject? Do they want to learn an instrument? This might be a good time to
try something new without the stress of everyday school. Do the older kids need a part time
job? And how will they get there?
* think "balance" so every week is not jam packed and the kids have some free time to just
be.
