Summertime Blues

I have a love/hate relationship with summer.

Since I homeschool, I'm used to my kids being home, so I don't have all the "These kids are just constantly in front of me!" syndrome that some of my non-homeschooling friends have. But here's my issue with summer: the days are endless. Because there is no structure or routine, they just go on and on with no set agenda and are filled with questions not normally asked during the school year, like "Can we play the Wii?" "Can we play with friends?" "Can we go to the pool?" "How many questions can I ask before your brain explodes?"

I have to say, I'm inching closer to actually having an answer for that last one.

And I have to be honest, all those questions are asked during the school year, but it's a lot easier to say no to them then, when the days aren't all hot and summery and endless.

(July 2012)

So perhaps the answer to the summertime blues is a schedule, you say? Ah, yes. But what I love about summertime is the non-schedule. I like not having reading or math facts or science tests hanging over my head. And I think my kids like it, too, so I'm afraid that a schedule would feel too much like schooltime, and I want summer to be free-er. Freer? That is a strange word. Maybe it's not a word. But it's summertime, so I ain't looking it up. I'm not even going to speak correctly. I may even throw in a mispelled word, because I like to live on the edge. But besides, what would I schedule? Ummm 9-9:08 Scarf down your breakfast quickly so you can start the day with one of the above questions. 9:10 - Pout and sulk at my no. 9:12 - Come up with a new question to completely throw me off. See where I'm going here? There's nothing to schedule, which is part of my love and my hate of summer.

(August 2012)

I feel like I should be taking advantage of these carefree days, but they end up being rather question-filled and it's always a struggle as to what exactly we should do each day. When we have plans and are doing things, then it's much easier, but on the days we don't have anything planned, all the questions can start to get to me (and I start thinking crazy thoughts, like it'd be easier just to start school back.)

So I go back and forth and sideways - give them chores? I've seen that one a lot. Tell them I'm not in charge of their fun? But then the Pinterest mom in me says I should pull out my puppet show set made out of recycled milk cartons so they can spend the afternoon getting their creative on. Help them be creative, or let them come up with their own fun? Force them to spend time outside? Or snuggle on the couch and read because these days go by fast?

Oh, it's endless. See what I mean?

So what's the solution? Well I don't really have one.That's where you come in. How do you combat the ever-present summer statement "I'm bored?"

I would love to know!

Comments

[liz]

Haha. this is a good one. My mom always said "Boring people get bored". Sooooo, with that being said......we have a list like your's which is awesome to cross off. We have a calendar of each week printed for the boys to see what is going on and to have a place to cross off chores, like making their beds. The schedule can't change too much ;) Also, we have daily reading and work (keep it simple) and then sprinkle in with later nights, later mornings, and constantly trying new things. To me summer was always about exploring and growth. Finn decided to try knitting, Carter explores a new bike trail or a new fishing spot, we spontaneously go out for appetizers and come home for dinner, or we go to a minor league baseball game. Things that aren't breaking the bank, but fun. We also lay out our summer well in advance with camps, swim team and a few trips. Summer is here and gone before you know it--and these will surely be the days we always remember. So, I try to cherish that thought. Hope it helps!

[Marni]

Ah yes, my feelings about Summertime are similar! We have lots of crazy silly monkey behavior or fighting when we are too footloose and fancy free. Our "Spectacular Summer Schedule" has saved me lots of gray hairs so far! We have a different activity each day of the week so we have something to look forward to but also some structure in a fun and flexible sort of way!

This is our schedule:

Make it Monday (cooking, art, project of their choosing)
Nona Tuesday (outing or visit with my MIL)
Library Wednesday (a new one each week)
Park Thursday (a new one each week hopefully we will visit many with water features)
Mimi Friday (vist my mom and go swimming at her house)

We are also doing a bit of independent school work for about 30-45 mintues each day just to keep the peace! Things like Spelling City and Splash Math on the Ipad, Math facts practice, quiet reading, cursive practice, piano practice and map drawing. I love the bucket list idea and plan to make ours up this week just to add in some fresh and spontanoues fun! Thanks for sharing, I am excited to sit down and hear what things my boys want to do this summer. :)

[Amber]

I have a love/hate relationship with summer, too. First of all - it's just too darn HOT. For me, at least. The kiddos just want to be outside sweating and beet red sucking down CapriSuns and popsicles. That's good for kids, but not for this Mama. For the most part I am letting them just do what they want to do outside, while the baby and I stay close to the porch and windows and listen for them. They get along so well outside and it's where they want to be, so I don't want to spoil their fun or creativity. I just typically only participate in the fun or creativity if it's happening in the shade or AC. :) And crazy thoughts about starting school creep into my head often, too. So far I have quieted them. We'll see what July brings. ;)

All of that said, we are camping out in the backyard tomorrow night. With fans, and a cooler of ice. :)