Summertime may have a reputation for being a season of lazy days, relaxation, and bottomless glasses of ice-cold lemonade, but for many parents, the season is chock full of family fun, children’s activities, and travel adventures.
Managing all of that while still keeping the gears of life moving can create a season that’s busier than expected. Here are eight ways to save time this summer while navigating all the seasonal amusements.
Wake Early
Summertime may feel like the best time to finally sleep in, but the early morning hours are highly underrated. While everyone else catches up on their z’s, set your alarm and enjoy quiet mornings with a relaxed cup of coffee, a good book or journal, and time to breathe and slowly begin your day. It’s amazing how rejuvenating and inspiring this can be. To make the most of it, be sure to keep your phone far, far away.In-Between Time
As you go about your day, take advantage of tiny pockets of “in-between” time. You can make the most of these snippets of time.For example, if you’re waiting for the toaster, take those few minutes to wipe down your counters. If you’re on a walk, return a few phone calls or listen to an educational podcast. If you’re sitting in your car waiting to pick up a child, clear your email inbox from your phone or review your to-do list. Small bursts of productivity throughout the day can add up significantly.
Summer Chores
Encourage your children to contribute to the household by assigning summer chores. Put age-appropriate responsibilities upon those little shoulders. One child may be in charge of taking out the trash, another may be in charge of loading and unloading the dishwasher, and another may be responsible for dusting. Teach them well how to successfully complete their chores and clearly explain your expectations. When they do a fantastic job, make sure to let them know with exuberance.Tidy as You Go
Adopt the policy of always leaving a room better than you found it and get into the habit of tidying as you move about your home. Before going to bed each night, do one last tidying blitz and encourage your family members to do all they can to clean up after themselves. Positive reinforcement can help kids develop a sense of consideration for the people they share their home with.Batch Cook
Maybe it’s the sun, the increase in activity, or just the proximity to the kitchen, but it seems like families get hungrier in the summer. Embrace batch cooking so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen every day.Once a week, prepare the basic elements of multiple meals such as protein, vegetables, and snacks. The grill can be a great tool to prepare chicken. Later in the week, that chicken can be added to a salad or topped with cheese and marinara. Stock your fridge with ready-to-go items that you can enjoy throughout the week. Having healthy snacks at the ready, such as cheese, nuts, seeds, and cut-up vegetables and fruits, can be helpful as well.
