Your kids are in the final countdown to summer. They can barely take their minds off of summer plans for schoolwork, but that’s ok. Chances are their teachers have started dialing it in by now anyway.
While everyone else is starting to relax, it’s time for you to spring into action. That is, if you want to keep your kids busy and out of trouble this summer.
Here are a few things you can start planning for your kids’ summer:
- Family vacation
Every family needs a vacation together (because memories). And this is something you can start planning right away. You’ll get the best rates and dates when you plan ahead, so start thinking about where you’ll go.
Road trips are a great option for families because they help you avoid airfare. But you will need to plan to service your vehicle soon. If you’re opting for a road trip, start looking at destinations within about a 10-hour driving radius.
- Childcare
Kids and teachers are always excited about summer, but it’s typically a different story for parents. In families where both parents work, they will need to find an affordable care solution.
If this describes your family, now is the time to secure these arrangements. Here are a few options to consider:
- Typical babysitter or nanny – This may be a good option if you have multiple children because sitters typically don’t up their rate much by child. On the other hand, if you only have one child, this is rarely going to be the most affordable option.
- Camp – Depending on the camp you choose, it may take over the same timeslot as school, or more. But most camps won’t span the entire summer. Try to work camp schedules around vacation to get the most for your money.
- Hybrid plan – If you have a tight budget, you may need to get creative. Try combining camps with babysitting.
- Camp
You can find a camp for virtually any interest, so your kids can have fun choosing which one they’d like to attend. If you’re on a tight budget, look for day camps that are run by your city or town. You may be able to get info on these from the town’s recreational center.
And if money isn’t an object, you may consider sending your kids’ to a sleepaway camp. Either way, camps are a great combination of childcare, fun and education.
- Chores
Since your schedule is changing, it’s a good time to take another look at the chore schedule. Think about how your kids’ time at home is changing. If they’re going to be spending more time at home, they can probably handle more chores. If they’re going away to camp, you may need to pick up some of their regular chores until school starts up again.
Now is the time to plan out where your kids will spend their summer, so there are no surprises later. And if you’re planning on sending the kids to camp, act quickly before all the good camps are booked.
What are your best tips for planning your kids’ summer?
