Do you remember the final days of school when you were a kid? The frantic signing of yearbooks, the sharing of summer plans, school field days, and that sweet taste of freedom?

Pool parties, staying up late, skinned knees, video game marathons, summer reading, bike rides, and sprinklers in the backyard. That’s summer break: unbounded joy and, for parents, unbounded… well, we’ll get to that.

Get ready, moms and dads, because the ice-cream truck is coming around the corner, and it’s time to talk about the best (and worst) things about summer break with kids.

Best: Freedom and Fresh Air

Ah, freedom. It’s what William Wallace was yelling about in “Braveheart,” right? For our kids, summer break is the ultimate freedom. They get to replace the chalky smell of the classroom with the invigorating whiff of fresh cut grass.

That’s right, the same grass you likely spend ridiculous amounts of time in the summer heat, I mean fresh air, mowing.

Also, they’re enjoying the great outdoors, where you don’t need to worry about spilled juice ruining the expensive carpet. Score one for Team Outside.

Worst: Freedom and Fresh Air

Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. Just like too much ice cream can give you a tummy ache, too much freedom can create problems. This “free-range” kid scenario sounds beautiful until your little angel decides to explore the mud pit in the backyard or invite the local squirrel population inside for a tea party. Oh, and did we mention the bug bites, sunburns, and “Mom, I’m bored!” every five minutes? Score one for Team Classroom. I have fond memories of digging pits and starting fires in a nearby yard. Just in case you needed more to worry about.

Best: Family Vacations

Family vacations are a fantastic opportunity to create lifelong memories. You get to explore new places, taste new foods, and experience different cultures together. All the things that make life exciting. Plus, you get to annoy each other in a whole new setting! Isn’t variety the spice of life? Remember, vacations come in all forms. Road trips to local attractions, beach weekends, camping, cruise ships, all inclusive, and Disney trips. How does your family like to escape the monotany of life?

Worst: Family Vacations

Let’s face it, family vacations can sometimes feel like you’re trying to herd cats through a dog park. There’s packing for unpredictable weather, the dreaded “are we there yet?” from the backseat, and the delicate art of bathroom timing. Then you finally arrive, and your hotel room view is a brick wall. Still, when your child experiences the ocean for the first time or catches their first fish, it makes all the hassle worth it… mostly. Let’s face it, vacations with young children are really just for the kids. They’re more work than relaxation for us. 

Best: No School Schedule

No more setting alarms for the crack of dawn. No more rushing to make breakfast, pack lunch, and making sure homework is packed. Car line is on hold! No rush to make it to the bus stop. Cries of “John, where are your shoes, we’re late!” happen far, far less. You can have breakfast for dinner, and nobody will look at you funny. You’re free from the tyranny of the school timetable, and it feels oh so good.

Worst: No School Schedule

That first day when you don’t have to wake up early feels like a dream. Fast forward a few weeks two days, and your kids have turned into feral, nocturnal creatures who have forgotten they have inside voices. Bedtimes? What are those? Meal times? You mean snacks. Your house starts to feel like it’s hosting a never-ending slumber party without the slumber. Now, that missing shoe doesn’t seem so bad. Also, what day is it? Do I even have work today?

Best: Quality Time

Here’s the real beauty of summer break: quality time with your kids. Sure, they can drive you nuts, but these are the moments that truly matter. The impromptu dance-offs, the backyard camping, the DIY projects that inevitably lead to glitter you’ll never clean up. Seriously, you’ll discover glitter in random places for years. These are the things your kids will remember and cherish, and honestly, so will you.

Worst: Quality Time

Okay, hear me out. While spending time with your kiddos is great, sometimes you can have a little too much of a good thing. It’s hard to enjoy a moment of peace with a Lego brick underfoot and a chorus of “I’m hungry!” serenading you. By the time September rolls around, teachers will start to look like superheroes to you, if they didn’t already.

So there you have it, folks. Summer break is a mixed bag of joy, frustration, freedom, and chaos. It’s tiring, it’s messy, and it’s absolutely wonderful. After all, who wants a picture-perfect summer when you can have a memorable one?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go extract a Frisbee from a tree and find out why there’s a trail of popsicle sticks leading to the bathroom. I’ll return with some helpful tips to conquer summer.

So let’s talk coping. Here’s how to make it rewarding for your kiddos and less of an endurance test for you:

1. Create a Flexible Routine

Yes, I know I said one of the best things about summer is the absence of a rigid schedule. But having a loose routine can be beneficial. Plan the day into chunks – creative time, outdoor time, quiet time (also known as sanity-saving time for you). This gives kids a sense of order without the restrictions of a school-like timetable. Also, it helps prevent them from becoming creatures of the night, which is always a bonus.

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t have the patience to do this. Of course, I wish I did. I follow more of a general outline approach. However, we’re sure to carve out certain times of day for soothing activities, otherwise our overactive kids will begin to lose it.

2. DIY Summer Camp

Why shell out big bucks for summer camp when you can host one right in your backyard? Each week can have a theme: nature week, science week, cooking week – you name it. My kids are at the age where they are starting to ask questions so experiments are really fun.

This isn’t just an exercise in fun, it’s also subtly educational (shh, don’t tell the kids). Remember, camp directors need breaks too, so plan some quiet activities that allow you to sit back and sip that iced tea.

3. Create a Boredom Buster Jar

Get a jar and fill it with slips of paper. On each slip, write an activity. These can range from “read a book” to “build a cardboard castle.” When you hear the inevitable “I’m bored,” point them towards the jar. It gives your kids a sense of autonomy and you, a break from being the entertainment committee.

4. Implement a Chore Chart

Hear me out, I haven’t lost my marbles. At least not all of them. Chore charts aren’t just for keeping the house in order. They can teach kids responsibility and the joy of contributing to the family. Plus, a little help with the dishes never hurt anyone.

The loss of structure can be a huge issue for neurodivergent kids, or any kid really. Keeping some sense of structure, routine, and responsibility can be the difference between a daily meltdown and summer bliss.

To keep it fair and exciting, rotate chores and offer rewards for consistency. Seriously, a Harvard study followed children into adulthood and found chores was the common denominator for success. Also, this.

5. Plan Mini Escapes for Yourself

Remember, even superheroes need breaks. Carve out some ‘me time’ for yourself each day. It could be early morning yoga, a mid-afternoon read, or a late-night Netflix binge. Ensuring you’re taken care of will keep your patience tank full, and trust me, during summer break, you’ll need it.

Overstimulated parents and overstimulated kids is a very bad combination. It’s absolutely essential to keep yourself grounded so you are mentally capable of handling whatever your kids throw at you.

Armed with these tips, I hope you’re ready to conquer summer break like a pro. Remember, summer is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, enjoy the moments of sunshine-filled joy, and when things get tough, remind yourself that every day is one day closer to September.

Good luck, fellow summer warriors! See you on the other side of the break. Now, excuse me while I go turn my living room into a DIY summer camp site complete with blanket fort, paint, and candy making science kit. Wish me luck!