I know in my house, the summer has a way of cluttering up the house. We come and go a lot over the summer with various camping trips, day trips, even weekend getaways. Sometimes, we come home, toss down a few things, grab the set of other things for the next adventure and run out the door again.
But who is left to pick up the pieces?…No one!
So, last summer, we created a bit of a block schedule to ensure the fun, the work, and some downtime all get added to the summer days.
You can plan and discuss this as a family meeting but make sure it’s light and fun! Make some crazy kind of popcorn (By the way, if you have not tried melted peanut butter, mini chipits and mini marshmallows with your popcorn…you’re welcome!) and some kind of fun or fancy drink. This creates the buy in, especially for kids.
The fun and adventure
Use the meeting to talk about the things that each person really wants to accomplish or do during the summer. This adds to everyones excitement. Make a list of the fun and the adventures and give each person a fair chance to share their thoughts. This list could include things like camping or cottage trips, day trips to the zoo, or waterpark fun or anything else your family does to get away in the summer. This is also where their own goals get written down, things like summer jobs, sumer camps, something they want to build or make or even adventures with friends.
The house and the chores
Now it’s time to lay down the law. The chores still have to get done! Remind the kids that the fun is great, but we still live in this house and the tidying and the cleaning still have to happen. Remind them of the exciting things they might miss out on if the chores can’t become a priority while they are at home.
The intentional downtime
Lastly, finish off with some downtime brainstorming. This isn’t just about screen time doom scrolling. I mean intentional down time. Think reading, hanging out with close friends, having some low key, at home, family time. Laze around the backyard, go for a hike, or watch a movie.
This system, of making a list that includes fun and adventure, housework and chores, and intentional downtime doesn’t just work for kids. Whether you have kids, a spouse, or are single, it can still help you balance your time to make the most of your long summer days. If you have a busy stretch coming up, think about these three lists! They can change the way you spend your time!
Once you have your lists, pull out the calendar and actually block things out on the calendar! This will solidify them in everyone’s mind and create that reminder that fun, chores and downtime can all be balanced. You can do it all, just not all at once! It’s easy and straightforward to put the actual adventure and trips on the calendar. It might be more abstract to add in 30 min to 1 hr blocks for chores – you can even specify what chores to prioritize. Look at your weeks and add in the downtime!
The more you schedule everything on the calendar, the more likely it will all actually happen – without the excuses of not having enough time or someone always getting their way!
Don’t let the days pass you by! Own your days! Pick and choose what you do, rather than watching the hours go by.
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