Summer is the season for fun in the sun, flexible schedules and extra freetime and opportunities for making memories as a family. Add a little organization to the mix, and you -- and your kids -- are more likely to enjoy all the opportunities summer can offer.
Keep kids active at day camps.
Sign-up for most camps has already occurred, or you're registering now. From there, you want to make sure everyone's on the same page regarding who goes where.
Organize paperwork - Create a folder (file folder, envelope style or small binder) for each child (a different color for each is ideal) or if they're attending the same camps, use a separate folder for each session. Keep all paperwork (registration info, location details, contact info) in that folder and store the folder in your family's "hub" of the house (such as in the kitchen, on a bulletin board, in mudroom, or entryway).Get calendars in sync - Make sure all parents and caregivers are aware of the camp calendar - who goes where and who is in charge of pick-ups and drop-offs. Include important contact info in your calendar so you don't need to find paperwork in a rush if needed.
Make sure there's downtime too. For every scheduled activity, there should be some "unscheduled" playtime too. If you find every week of the summer is booked with "something" to do, you may find yourself with an exhausted child (and parent) by summer's end. Use your calendar to plan in advance those days when kids can just stay home and enjoy unstructured play.
Stress less before and during vacations.
Create a Packing List for each family member: This can be typed up and stored on your computer. Note different quantities of clothes for different lengths of stay (weekend vs. one week) and location (cabin up north vs. hotel stay in another state). Save the document on your computer and print out as needed for each trip. This helps kids get involved in packing and learn from the experience too! The older the child, the more they can pack for themselves with oversight from you, the parent.Bring along Boredom Busters - Consider having some new, borrowed or forgotten toys on hand for road trips or long plane flights. Keep them packed away until the whining starts, then voila, bring out one toy at a time to keep kids occupied and less anxious.
Ensure safe and easy swimming opportunities.
Whether you frequently go to the local beach or a pool, summer is the season for swimming. Rather than hunting for must-haves each and every time, pack a beach bag now, and include key items, such as beach towels, swimsuits, and sunscreen and cover-ups.As you use these items, remember to return them to the bag after washing - and not your child's room.
You'll want the beach bag to be easily accessed at a moment's notice, so store it near an exit door, e.g. an entryway closet, mudroom or other central location. Also be sure the area is free of winter gear, which should be stored out of the way (top shelves, etc.) or elsewhere (basement, bedrooms).
Let kids help themselves to snacks.
Kids will be running in and out of the house wanting snacks for themselves and friends. To make it easier for them to be self-sufficient:
Create a snack drawer or shelf in both your refrigerator and pantry to hold nutritious options that kids can get to themselves. The less-healthy options can be stored out of reach and serve as "permission" treats.Drink glasses might accumulate and it's hard to know whose is whose. Consider buying a set of plastic cups in various colors and let each child pick a color of the day or week as their water cup.
If you use water bottles, label them with a Sharpie. Better yet, buy every family member a BPA-free water bottle and filtered tap water, rather than using disposable bottles of water.
Make the library a summer destination.
Keep reading skills sharp with frequent trips to the library. To make sure books are returned on time, store a book bag near the entryway door to hold books just about to be due.Get kids involved by marking the family calendar with due dates of their newest book finds and/or sign up for electronic email reminders from the library.
Be sure to limit the number of books per child to ensure all books are actually read (and not lost) before the due date.
Keep outdoor gear where it belongs... outside!
Sports gear & yard toys should be stored in the garage or shed or on the deck or porch if possible and not inside the house.Arrange sports gear according to sport and/or child, and hold the child responsible for clean-up of toys before coming in for the day.
To keep smaller toys (trucks, cars, buckets) from dirtying up the house, establish some toys as "outside" toys and others as inside only.
To wipe off messy feet from dirt-digging or sandbox adventures, keep a tub of baby wipes near the door for quick clean-up.
Diana Allard is a professional organizer in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and owner of Efficient Spaces Organizing Services, LLC. She helps clients maximize space, minimize clutter and turn their "I'll do it later" projects into "I like how it's done!" accomplishments. In addition to providing hands-on help for local clients, Diana provides daily tips on her facebook fan page: http://www.Facebook.com/EfficientSpaces and also has a blog on her web site: http://www.efficientspaces.com/.