There should be a name for the phenomenon that occurs in a home when teenage young men truly sink into their summer vacations. If left unattended, many would like to slump into days on end of couch-sitting, video-gaming, chip-eating blobs. They would stay up too late and sleep half the day away. Does it sound like I'm speaking from experience? You decide for yourself!
I typically give my boys the first week of summer vacation "off" to pursue the things they don't normally have time to do during the school year. Their days are normally so overly scheduled and filled with homework that I feel they deserve a break from the grind…they are kids, after all! But once the first week is up, we slip into a bit more governed schedule, for the sake of Mom's sanity. Here are a few considerations in my house during "summer mode":
Sleep Schedule – My boys still have a "bed time" which gets moved considerably later in the summer. People of any age need good sleep for good health, whether they are preschoolers or retirees. Adopt a sleep schedule and try to stick with it.
Menu Planning – Mothers of sons know that boys love to eat. When my boys are home on vacation, it feels as though I'm cooking all the time. Lay down the law on eating between meals. Keep healthy snacks in the house (fruit, low fat jerky, light microwave popcorn) and limit snacking between meals. Limit soda intake by encouraging lots of hydration with water. Those sugar-free water flavors are very popular in my house this summer. Plan and announce dinner early and get the kids involved in the planning and preparation. Eat at the table, as a family, whenever possible.
School work – I discussed this earlier in the week, but please remember that your children's academic success depends upon maintaining their brains during the summer months. Look for creative opportunities to learn. Set an example for your children by reading and learning yourself: take a bible study class, check out a book at the library, or attend a public lecture.
Recreation – If you allow gaming in your home, place time limits. The same rule is helpful for viewing of television or videos. Send the kids outside to play whenever possible (but remember sunscreen!). Best of all, play with them!
By setting a few summertime guidelines in place, you will avoid family friction. What works in your home during the summer?
