Do kids have to do something every week of summer break? Of course not. But if you take the first few weeks to create a summer schedule that thwarts boredom, chances are the rest of your family’s summer will flow smoothly and the kids will stay on track for the inevitable return of the school year. Most libraries—and maybe even your kids’ schools, or your local bookstore—offer summer reading programs that help young readers set goals and earn rewards. Some programs meet weekly, like a club, with a scheduled activity or read-aloud. Others run contests where kids can receive a prize once they’ve completed a book or a goal. If you have trouble finding a local program, an online program might work well for your child. In early summer, map out a summer bucket list for your family. Make a game out of it by having your children interview each member of the family, asking them what’s on their list: Day trips, picnics, a family vacation, camping, beachgoing, and visiting an amusement park? Next, sit down with each other and your list and map it all out on your calendar. If you don’t plan for it, it may never happen. Registering your kids for a camp one day a week (or for full weeks at a time), lends structure to their carefree days. Summer camps also allow kids the social time they need to meet new friends or reconnect with school buddies. Working an art camp, sports camp, swim camp, or academic camp into your summer calendar gives parents the freedom to work, while also providing an outlet for fun and creativity outside of the home setting.
