Get play and purpose with an 80% summer schedule

SALT LAKE CITY — If you’re like many parents, having survived the end of school crazies you now face the summer dilemma: planning a season that gives children play, purpose and possibly education while giving you a reprieve. Perhaps this time try the “80 percent” summer schedule.

Positive structure.

Although it’s tempting to just let kids loose daily, creating a predictable schedule is key to a happy, fairly fight-free summer. Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and author of "Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids," shares that routines are essential to giving children a sense of security and develop self-discipline. These routines not only make children feel safer but also teach them how to positively control themselves and situations.

That being said, structure doesn’t mean rigid. Every family has a different rhythm, so go with yours. But ultimately you'll want to create a schedule that keeps Mom sane. I like to keep it simple (to later complicate it). Mornings are for chores and one hour of educational work (20 minutes each of reading, math and “something else” — as in, try to make it learning-oriented and we can call it good). A few great educational sites are www.abcya.com, www.scholastic.com and www.sheppardsoftware.com. Finally, afternoon is for play and evening for family dinner and fun.

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Daily dose

Encourage children to do a good turn daily by serving someone. We try to share the experiences at dinner and thereby correct misunderstandings, such as eating a huge hot fudge sundae and then saving the cherry for their sibling isn’t exactly serving.

Play

Summer is a release from the super structure of the year. If there is a time to build forts or do bubbles on the lawn (don’t tell my husband), this is it. It’s a principle I have to continually remind myself of when said mess is getting on my nerves. But thankfully, the definition of “play” includes kids cleaning up.

Make money

If kids are old enough to complain, they can work. Little ones can do extra house cleaning, dog care or yard work. Older kids can do neighborhood work, regular jobs or go in on a small business with a friend. Sometimes finding jobs can be tough, so our daughter and her friend created their own, hosting a “Princess Camp” for young girls.

Children can divide the earned money between one life purpose (education, savings, etc.) and one juicy purpose (trip, electronic device, clothing).

Develop talents

This is for kids and parents. Summer is the perfect time to take a class, listen to a book on tape or research a new skill. Kids can check out sports, music or entrepreneur camps — all available at community centers or local colleges. And children who help pay for these experiences are typically more invested and responsible.

Enjoy it

Enjoy summer every day, in big things and little ways. As a mom, remind yourself — it's summer (I have to say this like a mantra). In the busyness of life, enjoy a spontaneous picnic or roasting marshmallows in the mountains. Take those family trips, and inexpensively. Utah has a variety of beautiful, accessible and free attractions. No need to complicate it — a few necessities and you’re headed to a nearby canyon.

Shoot for the “80 percent.”

A schedule is a fabulous tool, and it works best about 80 percent of the time. Regular routines make spontaneity a positive and not a stress. The point is not to be a slave to a plan. Use key consistent elements with the flexibility your family needs and you’ll be right on schedule.

Connie Sokol is an author, speaker, TV contributor and mother of seven. For more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

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