Balancing life during the summer with Children – Daily Balance Tip by Kim Jacobs
The summer is a time when children can really be carefree and enjoy TV, video games, and having no set time to be anywhere. It is fine for children to have fun during the summer, however, for your own sanity and for the sake of not getting them too off track, it is important to keep some structure in place. Here are a few ways that you can ensure that your children enjoy their summer break and still maintain your sanity in the process:
#1 Create a summer contract. Write down the agreed upon rules for the summer and what the schedule will consist of. Have each child provide input to the schedule and rules and then have each child sign a contract stating that they will follow the rules. When people sign a contract, they honor it better.
#2 Have a set bedtime: I do think you can allow your children to stay up a little later, because it is the summer! However, I don’t think it should be too late, especially if you still have to get up and go to work the next day as the parent. Plus, children need their proper rest regardless of whether it is the summer or not. It is not healthy for children to lie around in the bed all hours of the day. If they get the proper rest, then they will be able to get up and wash and dress themselves and function throughout the day.
#3 Have a set amount of time for TV and ELECTRONICS: Children will automatically want to catch up on all of the shows they have missed throughout the school year or play their video games excessively. It is up to you as the parent to put a time limit on how much of this you will allow. Once they have reached their time limit, encourage them to do other activities like: Read a book, or play outside or play a board game, or draw a picture.
# 4 Encourage your children to start a summer business: I have 5 children and I require them to pick something that they are passionate about and turn into a summer business. For example: My 9 year old son Ivan is drawing customized cars and trucks as his summer business. A person can purchase any car of truck of their choice and he will draw it and if they want it framed – he will frame it! ($10.00 unframed, $13 framed). People can place an order by emailing me at kim@dailybalancewithkim.tv. I have my younger children doing a lemonade stand, and my oldest son is writing his first book.
# 5 Allow your children to take a summer tour with mommy and daddy: During the summer months, we take our children with us to some of the fun places that we have to go for our jobs. This gives them a chance to explore different parts of the country and it gives us an opportunity to not be apart from one another. My children love visiting all of the fun places with mommy and daddy. If you don’t travel away during the summer take them to some of your local engagements with your job. This also gives them a chance to see what mommy and daddy does.
#6 Find a summer camp that will interest them. There are all types of camps that are offered during the summer. Find the one that will allow your children to flourish. There are sports camps, cooking camps, arts & crafts camps, reading camps, and so many more.
#7 Adopt your child’s hobby: Each child is different. They all enjoy a variety of things. Whatever your child is interested in exploring for the summer; why not show a sincere interest in learning it yourself. If they want to learn how to swim then take a swim class with them. If your child wants to do a science experiment, why not do it together. If they want to take a dance class, take the class with them or be present at the practice and then practice the dance moves at home. Join a book club together.
#8 Have your teenager do volunteer work or get a job. It is really a good idea to keep your teenager’s mind occupied during the summer so that they don’t have a bunch of idol time on their hands. You can have your teenager volunteer at a local hospital, nursing home, salvation army, animal shelter, or any other volunteer opportunity. If they are old enough to work a real job, then they should be working somewhere. You can help them by identifying some good places for them to put in an application. Also, remind them to dress professionally when they approach an employer.
Whenever you take road trips, make sure each person has their own back pack that rolls and have it filled with activities that they enjoy most. This is very important if you wish to keep your sanity. By applying some of these simple tips, your summer with your children should be balanced and fun.
You can watch our Telly Award Winning Television Talk Show, Daily Balance with Kim Jacobs, on PBS – WTVI every Saturday at 10:00 AM. To learn more about Daily Balance with Kim Jacobs please visit www.dailybalancewithkim.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook at Daily Balance with Kim Jacobs. If you would like to hear more tips from me, you can see me as the Daily Balance Expert every Wednesday for a segment on Charlotte Today (WCNC – News Channel 36) between 11:00 AM -12:00 PM. Thank you for your continued support.
