1. Create a chore chart with a reward system that establishes the lessons you want to teach your child. This will require a little planning but honestly it will pay off, not only will you get help around the house and teach your children valuable life lessons - by planning ahead you get to create what it is, what the reward/payment is and be in control! 

Omg thing I'm excited to implement is something I saw online. Give your kids a $5 allowance, $2 for spending, $2 saving/investing and then $1 for giving!

2. Create a list of things to do on days when bored! I would make maybe three different list here, they can be in your fridge or in your notebook:

•  First, a list of free things to do: library, kids bowl free HERE is the link to sign up , go a on a park adventure ( find a new park and set out to see what is has to offer ) , picnic: anywhere - a close monument, at your own home, a close park. A new scene can be exciting and just gives you something to do! Pack a soccer ball or books for a chill day! Check out local hikes and walking trails! You never know what you'll find so go explore your area! 

• The second list is of bucket list items for the summer! This is more of a local bucket list like if there is an amusement park or petting zoo. An attraction you all have been interested in but haven't done yet. Also add in your local favorites like ice spots with mini golf and museums. 

• Third last but not least make a list you maybe have coupons for and/or gift cards! 

Making these lists is going to be helpful on those days when you don't have to think and look stuff up. You can just take a look and even let the kids pick something off. Give yourself these resources to save sanity this summer!

3. Stock up on all snacks , treats and food! The last thing you want to do at the start of the summer is have to do a huge grocery haul! Get them popsicles and favorite grab and go goodies that make your life easier and keep you kids full and healthy this summer! 

4. Determine a “chill” schedule..some people can't function without a schedule and others look forward to no structure in the summer season..which ever you are will determine how in depth this needs to be. I find when there is no plan at all and there are things you do want to accomplish/experience with your kids or yourself it won't happen as smoothly or at all unless planned out! So if you know you need to workout 4 days a week during the summer but you know your kids will be jumping on you and you want a peaceful time to do this plan- will it be before they wake?

Or maybe this is the time they get to watch a movie. OR maybe you want to practice reading for 1 hour each day with your kids. Maybe this is going to be at bedtime or maybe for an hour each day after the poo or outside play time everyone gets comfy in the living room and has an hour of quiet book time. A little plan can go a long way! 

5. Brainstorm and dream about what you really want to do this summer and experience with your kids. You know that really kinda sad saying you only get 18 summers with them or something like that. We do want to cherish this time and make the most of it so I think by digging deep , thinking what do I really want to instill in my child/children this season and then make a plan for that will help.

Personally I am looking forward to our slow breakfasts where we eat and usually read a book or do an activity and don't have to rush. Then I'm really looking forward to staying on top of reading but mostly teaching the importance of character and being a good person. He goes to school all year and they learn SO much and in day to day life they learn so much. I really want to make a conscious effort and focus on right and wrong, how to be a good friend, how to be kind and make a difference. Leo does this so much on his own but that is something I will be focusing on as he grows.

Another thing on the summer bucket list for us is to build a little free library together! If that sounds interesting to you HERE is the resources website. I plan to take him to different antiques spots and grab free scrap materials to put ours together!

We got this! We were born for this! Our kids want to have fun as do we and guess what life is short! Love hard, play hard and peace hard my friends! 

Happy Summer 🌈💞✨

-XO Sammy