Just prior to summertime rolling around, parents scramble to get their children enrolled in various activities. In schoolyards, I often hear conversations between parents, comparing their summer plans. The most desired summer camps book up fast, so if you want your child enrolled, you must plan early. I think it\u2019s natural for all parents to feel this pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am writing this blog as the best blog resource for busy working moms with kids and for time-management for the best summer scheduling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two kinds of people in the world: planners and non-planners. I\u2019m a mix of both. \u201cPlanners\u201d do not like to walk through life without knowing what is coming their way. Anxiety builds if there is too much uncertainty. These people need to organize their lives and the lives of their children through a planner. The \u201cnon-planners,\u201d on the other hand, become anxious when they see too many things scheduled for them. Like a boa constrictor, plans choke the life out of them. They prefer to walk through the day with an open agenda, which allows them flexibility to decide on activities based on energy and mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately for the non-planners, most summer camps book up and are tailored to the planners out there. There are some great camps that always have space for last-minute additions. But, if summer camp is super-important to you, be sure to sign up early and get your spot reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have mixed feelings about committing my children to camp. I have made the mistake in the past of signing my children up for too many weeks of camp, only to find out they weren\u2019t wanting to return. What a pickle! I paid for it (dearly), but forcing a child to go and not have fun seems like a terrible parenting decision. I now only sign up for any given camp for one week at a time, and if they really enjoy it and there are spots available for any other weeks in the summer, we take the chance and hope for availability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Camps are exhausting. This is a good thing, as it allows for early bedtimes and a great night\u2019s rest. In our household, over-exhaustion creates its own set of issues. I find my tired cranky children fight more, and there are often tears in the morning as I force them out of bed. Parents who work may need to sign their children up for full-day camp, as it is a form of childcare. Some families are fortunate to have grandparents who can help with the daycare, so camp is solely for fun. I decided a few summers ago that the full day camp was too much for my children. I send them off for three-hour increments, and that is plenty of time for them to have fun and not run themselves to the ground. The outside temperature plays a direct role in helping me gauge how quickly they\u2019ll tucker out. I strategically plan for shorter camp days during the hotter summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest cons to summer camp is the cost. Sending children off, even for a half day, can really add up. In many ways, camp can be regarded as a luxury. For this reason, it really stings me if my children complain or resist returning the next day to camp. If they only knew how much it was costing me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to know that there is no need to feel the pressure of sending your child to camp. There are many other activities that can keep your child entertained over the summer. Of course, these activities require your time and energy. Parents who work are more limited in their freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When devising ideas for keeping children entertained over the summer, I recommend choosing unique venues and activities. Keep it fresh, and keep it new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to planning your summer, there are many options. Not all of them cost a fortune. If you are feeling the pinch of needing to make plans because you work, then consider pairing up with another parent for turns in care. It is possible to cover childcare without committing your child to camps all summer long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, never feel bad about letting your child be bored. Boredom is healthy. Children need to learn to figure out for themselves what to do when they are feeling idle. In this day and age, where everything is go-go-go, it\u2019s okay to pump the brakes a bit and allow your child to do nothing. It\u2019s quite nice, really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laura D<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Just prior to summertime rolling around, parents scramble to get their children enrolled in various activities. In schoolyards, I often hear conversations between parents, comparing their summer plans. The most desired summer camps book up fast, so if you want your child enrolled, you must plan early. I think it\u2019s natural for all parents to feel this pressure. … <\/p>\n