Two children together in the garden. (pitinan (123RF))
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For many parents, summer break poses a conundrum. We want to create lasting memories with our children; however, we don’t want to stress or exhaust ourselves trying to create what we think is a “perfect” summer.
A bit of reflection, some planning, and implementing a handful of the tips below can help make summer amazing and restful for the whole family.
Happy family blowing a bubbles in a summer park (konradbak (123RF))
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Ask your kids what they want to do this summer. Keep an open mind and try to secure a few of their items. Get creative too! For example, my son wanted to visit space; so, we visited the Technik Museum in Speyer, Germany and I made a rocket at home out of pillows and cushions.
Establish a challenge or competition like a summer-long game tournament, push-up competition, or a hiking goal. You can work towards a goal as a family or compete with each other.
Set individual self-improvement goals. Does your musically inclined child want to learn how to play an instrument? Does your athletic child want to master a skill? Does your teen want to cook a three-course meal for the family? Do you want to be better about keeping in touch with family and friends in America? Set goals and support each other.
Have a list of your top three to five places. You’ve likely had a list like this when your kids were younger before they went off to school full-time. It’s places you can go based on how much time you’ve got to spare and what the weather is like. For us, based at Ramstein AB, our list includes Seewoog (walkable, easy half hour or more), Gartenschau Kaiserslautern (quick drive, spend half a day), libraries (for when it’s too hot), bowling (USAFE promotes a kids’ bowl free program during the summer months), and of course the Naturerlebnisbad Landstuhl water park for those hot days. If you’re stationed at RAF Lakenheath AB or RAF Mildenhall, depending on where you live your go-tos can include Bury St. Edmonds Abbey (new playground, plenty of grass and ruins to explore), Lammas Land in Cambridge (lots of ducks and walkable to restaurants), Thetford Forest (zip lining, excellent playgrounds and trails), and make Felixstowe your beach of choice (easy parking, good ice cream). When you find yourself with some time just pick a place on your list and go!
Know where the closest blackberry bushes are. Visit them often.
Pick up an art project or science project book. Let your kids pick activities they want to do.
Store outdoor games and sports equipment in an easily accessible location by a door. Encourage kids to head outside often.
If you’re a runner, ask kids to accompany you on their bikes or run as well. You might have a slower pace the first few times, but it’ll be worthwhile being outdoors together.
Figure out your routine. Are you morning people or prefer to sleep in? Try to have everyone in the family on the same page to better plan outings and allow younger kids to have a sense of rhythm to their days. We’re early birds in my home. Most days, we head outdoors first thing in the morning. We prefer the slightly cooler temperatures and head home by the time places get crowded. By the late afternoon, we’re home, the kids are parked in front of fans and drawn shades, and I can do some work uninterrupted.
On the topic of rhythm—opt for a pattern of time together, time apart, time together, time apart. For younger kids, this helps give them the attention they often desire while still giving them space to play independently and allows you to take care of what you need to do. Older kids might not need as much time with you, but trying to spend some time with each other daily makes for important bonding.
Bonus worth remembering always: Make time for yourself every single day, especially if your kids are younger and need a bit extra from you. The world won’t end if you relax in a lounge chair instead of vacuuming. I bet everyone will be happy if you opt for takeout instead of making dinner. If you are rested, you’ll be a more pleasant parent to be around.
It can be disruptive switching to summer break after months of the school routine. On top of being an adjustment for everyone, it can be difficult trying to get things done for yourself, your home and your kids, but with a plan in place, it is doable. When in doubt, focus on what is good for your family and lean into those fleeting moments that turn into memories.
Happy family holding hands and playing in forest area (halfpoint (123RF))
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Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
