My children just had their last day at school today.  Whenever summer starts, I always begin wondering, what in the world are they going to do everyday and how will I work my schedule so that I can balance work and time with them.  The funny thing is as soon as I think that, in just a blink of an eye, they are starting the new school year again.
When it’s time for them to return, I wonder where the time has gone and I always want one extra week to be with them.  For now, though since it is the beginning, what is everyone going to do?  I thought I would share a few thoughts to consider.

1.    Have a family meeting and discuss everyone’s desires and expectations for the summer.   You might not be able to do it all, but communication will lead to helping you plan a summer that includes a little of what is important to everyone.

2.    Find a way to serve in your community.  Most children are old enough that they can help and serve in some capacity.  There are many great local charities and organizations that are always looking for volunteers. 

3.    Plan a summer reading program.  There’s a great book called, “Do Hard Things”, that challenges teenagers to do something significant. 

4.    Be creative:  I don’t want my children watching TV and playing with electronics all day long.  Instead of fighting with them, I create a ticket program and I reward them with tickets for making good choices which include reading a book, eating fruits and vegetables, playing outside, doing their chores without asking and more.   At the end of the summer, they can turn in their tickets for a table full of prizes.

5.    Last but not least, I came across a website that has more than I could ever put in an article with all kinds of ideas for the summer, www.fun4gatorkids.com

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