Surviving Summer Vacation

For some of you Summer Vacation has been going on for weeks, for some almost a Month. For us it has only just begun. We are in our third week of Summer Vacation. Fresh out of the First official Long Weekend of Summer.

Though we haven't been in it long, this isn't my first summer vacay so I have a few years in my belt. I now have 2 children (boys from school age to toddler).

Here are some of my tips for surviving Summer Vacation.

Ditch the Tech - I have been warning my son for weeks that if he thinks he is going to spend his entire summer vacation staring at a screen he has another thing coming. Screen time is limited throughout the school year and is still limited on vacation and holidays. He has to earn his screen time just the same as he does the rest of the year. This also goes for adults too! I know life isn't fair, but it's hard to set an example when many of us are glued to our phones and devices. I am fortunate enough to be a Stay at Home Mom and I want to make the most of my time with my kids. Get outside, and explore, have fun. It's fine to take pictures and capture the moment, but remember to live in it.

Ditch the Routine (well sort of) - throughout the year we follow the same routine from bedtime to getting up and going to school. Come summer vacation we still keep a routine but we aren't as strict. We stay up later, we graze on food through out the day (No one feels like eating a big meal in the heat of summer), and if we don't feel like getting dressed the minute we get up, We don't! So keep a routine but ditch the rigidity and just enjoy.

Make a Summer Bucket List - This is one of my favourite activities to do with the kids. It's a list of all the things we would like to do this summer. We sit together and think of things we want to do or try. Some cost money and others are free. As we complete items we check them off. I'm not the mom who has something planned for everyday. First of all many things cost money, secondly the household would fall apart if all we did were outings everyday. Nothing would get done. I'm all for messes in the house, but there is a limit. Remember that kids don't need to be entertained by their parents 24/7 they don't need an itinerary chalked full of activities for each block of the day. Kids can be kids and use their imagination. They don't need to be stimulated all day everyday. They can be just as they are, kids.

Snacks Are Life - Ever notice how kids always seem to be hungry? Or notice that when they are hungry or "hangry" as I like to call it, they become irritable and annoying. Like I mentioned above we tend to graze during the summer. I always like to have cut up fruit and vegetables, crackers and other easy items to eat on the move on hand.

Prepare yourself for the "I'm Bored" - Some days I swear I may lose my mind if I hear the phrase "I'm bored" or "This is Boring". Those phrases have become off limits in our house. We have created the "Bored Jar" found on Pinterest it's literally a mason jar filled with Popsicle sticks that have ideas on them. Anything from crafts to games and activities. If a child even tries to utter the words they pick an activity and do it. Problem solved.

Keep the Essentials - Summer essentials are key for surviving the season.

• A great sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF.

• Sun hats to keep your melon from burning.

• Several pairs of Sunnys because you know your favourite pair is going to break or get lost in the lake.

• Sunburn relief because let's face it someone (most likely you will suffer a sunburn this summer)

• Summer Tote: something that washes nicely and can hold all the things you need to cart around with you. My go To Has been reusable shopping bags, whether it be snacks, swim gear or sand toys, they do the job and they come in cute patterns and are washable.

•  Bug Spray, well because bugs are inevitable in summer. 

• Allergy Medication- Tis' the season whether it be seasonal allergies or a reaction to a plant, food or insect sting. Having these on hand is essential.

• Reusable Drink Containers because saving the planet is great and y'all need to keep hydrated.

Do Not Set high Expectations - kids will be kids. They are not always going to get along with their siblings or friends. The splash pad may break down on your planned day of fun. The children will drive you crazy. Not everything is going to go perfect. Real life is not a perfect Instagram post. Which brings me to my next point...

Roll with the Punches - When life gives you lemons make lemonade. Try to make the best out of a situation. Sit back, try to relax, and enjoy the shit show that is parenting. Repeat this Mantra "I love my Kids"

What do you do to survive Summer Vacation?

~ Mommy Dearest