Ahhhh, summer. The grass is green, the air is sweet, the skies are blue, and Albuquerque is just begging for you to get out and enjoy. Oh, and your kids are home on their summer breaks. All day. Every day. All summer long. (Insert panic-stricken emoji.)
As summer break approaches, moms all across town may be experiencing a familiar mix of joy and fear as it sets in: Joy because, YAY, our awesome kiddos are home for the summer and we get to spend time and make memories! Fear because, OMG, we have to entertain and cater to these exhausting creatures, full force, for weeks and weeks on end.
The truth is, kids do require a lot, and there are many days out and about with my kids that I feel like a one-woman circus with an act that has gone horribly and comically wrong. Below I’ve compiled a list of a few simple things that us moms can implement to prepare for a summer full of fun, and (somewhat) free of stress.
Simplifying Your Summer with Kids:
Go Overboard With Sun Protection
One of the great things about summer break is that it typically allows for a looser schedule. With less structure in our days and so much sunshine to soak in, we may make a spontaneous stop at a park while out and about, play out back at a friend’s house, or pick up lunch and picnic somewhere nearby. Because we tend to do a lot more unplanned time outside during the summer, I always have multiple forms of sun protection packed and ready at a moment’s notice. I also have back-up hats for the kids that I stow in my car, just in case. I especially love the spray-on sunscreen for older kids (haven’t tried it on my baby), because it requires much less fuss to apply.
Bring the Fun
When warm summer weather rolls around, there are a few things I like to keep stashed in my car for unplanned adventures. I like to stow a swimsuit for each of the kids, just in case. You never know when that backyard play date at a friend’s house will offer up a run through the sprinklers or a dip in the baby pool, right? I also keep a bag of sand toys in my car for all the trips to the park.
Avoid A “Hangry” Situation
Both myself and my kids go from happy to hangry (hungry + angry) REAL quick if hunger strikes and there’s nothing to snack on. I always try to keep a few non-perishable, healthy, filling snacks tucked in my bag (granola bars, nuts, trail mix, etc.) and this way, we can stay to play while avoiding hunger-induced meltdowns. I often also like to throw some fruit in my bag before leaving the house, which is always refreshing on a hot summer day. Aside from food, water bottles are always a MUST for us. I never leave the house without them!
Pack for the Pool
This is a new one I’m planning to try this summer. The last couple of years, I will admit: I had great intentions of taking my daughter swimming, but we just haven’t done it all that much. There’s just so much STUFF (aside from the swimsuits and towels!) that you have to bring to the pool with young kids. Now, I have an over-sized bag that I’ll keep stocked with all our swim essentials, so that I can just grab it and go rather than feeling overwhelmed trying to find the Puddle Jumper, the baby float, fresh towels, etc. I’m hoping that keeping a stocked and ready pool bag will inspire me to make more trips to the pool this summer.
These are a few simple ways that I’m planning to bring on the fun and cut the stress this summer break. What are your summer-with-kids secrets?
