The Week That Never Was – Summer Activities

Do you remember what it was like being released from school and heading home knowing you would have 3 solid months of blissful sun and playtime? (See our Welcome To Summer celebration). There is nothing better than freedom. I love nothing more than an open day where the possibilities are endless. However, as a mother I know that children need structure, even in the summer. I found myself wondering, how can I give my children the wonderful carefree summer that children deserve, but also give them structure they need?

My solution was to create a “Week that Never Was.” The first week of summer break, I give my children the entire week off. They can sleep in and stay up as long as they want. They can use technology to their heart’s desire. No nagging to do chores or to go outside. Withstanding a few hygiene rules, I literally give them the week off, POOF! like it never casino online existed.

After the week is over, I sit them down and give them their summer schedules. I created simple chore charts out of paints chips that have the 3 graded colors. The top color is for morning chores, the middle for daily, and the bottom for evening. I also give them information about the public library summer reading program. I found this darling “story generator” book a few years back and it has fun writing prompts for kids. I usually bring out that book and give them a new writing notebook. This year we chose to skip using summer workbooks. I just think summertime is the perfect opportunity to teach more life skills like cooking, sewing, gardening and such.

My kids love doing this every year! By the end of the week that never was, they are usually asking for a schedule. Life requires balance. Sometimes you just need a little R & R before getting on with it.