And So the Summer Begins -- At-Home Summer Schedule

We're only a couple days into summer break -- how many times have you already heard "I'm bored!", or "What are we going to do today???"

I have a few thoughts when it comes to kids and summer breaks:

1. It's ok to be bored;
2. It's ok to have a break;
3. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to spend many days through the summer with my kids;
4. We can't DO something every day (and I need to work); but,
5. Sometimes, we need a LITTLE structure, even during holidays.

I can't be surprised that my kids want to know what's going on for each day -- I'm the same way. I like to have a plan, or even an outline, of my day or else I'm a bit lost. And doing nothing is TOTALLY ok -- I just need to know if that's what the plan of the day is.

My kids will be going to a few day camps through the summer, but the majority of the time, they'll be with me. And that's great. My mom was a teacher, so I remember having wonderful summers where we were all together. The thing is: I also have to squeeze in doing some work while they're home, in addition to working at night.

So I came up with a loose schedule (two versions, actually) that will help structure the day when we don't have a solid plan - like going to Wonderland, for example. There's also room in there for quiet time, screen time and exploratory and creative fun -- and those are all good opportunities when I can sneak in a few emails. I haven't attached times to the schedule, because it's really up to your family.

As for baking and making, in addition to arts & crafts, I also bring my kids into the kitchen and they can help prep dinner. Give them a task and they are thrilled to be a part of the process.

I figure -- if I want to instil discipline and motivation, it's a good idea to start them young!

Special thanks to Jill Yoga for providing the girls and me with matching yoga wear -- Canadian company Jill Yoga has just opened its first retail location with a pop-up at the Shops at Don Mills. Jill Yoga's mission is to promote confidence and healthy living at an early age. Families are invited to the grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 6 from 10-3 and enjoy complimentary balloons, cotton candy and face painting. The first 50 customers will also receive a gift bag valued at $75, with any purchase of $25 or more.