This week we are discussing summer survival planning as the end of the school year is rapidly approaching us. Yesterday, we discussed preparing for FUN with your family this summer. Today, I want to share some ideas for 0RGANIZING your summer fun.
After you investigate all the possible resources available for your children this summer, the following steps will help to get you organized:
1. Have a family council and list ideas of what goals you want to set for each child. Ask your children for input. What would they like to learn more about? What special interests would they like to develop?
2. Set aside some quiet time alone (both parents, if married) and plan summer activities according to your children's needs and interests.
3. Think of each child and where he or she is intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. Ask yourself, "Where do I want this child to be in each of these areas by the end of the summer?
4. Remember to be flexible. What looked like a good idea at the beginning of the summer, may not appeal to your child at the end of the summer? Set aside free time every day, so your children won't feel "schedule bound".
5. Using a calendar, mark down major events such as family vacations along with daily plans like going to the library or a picnic at the park with the neighbors.
Remember: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!
I am collecting information from our readers to share as the summer progresses with other mothers on ideas and stories about summer survival. So please e-mail me.
Resource material used this week is from A MOTHER'S MANUAL FOR SUMMER SURVIVAL by Kathy Peel and Joy Mahaffey. Published by Focus on the Family and available from your local bookstore.