SUMMER IS HERE!

How do you feel about summer vacation?  Some of you may be looking forward to lazy days, fun trips to the beach, and more family time. But others of you may be dreading the impending battles over screen time, sibling rivalry and late bedtimes.  In this episode of Redeeming the Chaos, I will share with you 9 practical tips to help you survive the summer with a household of boys. 

Welcome to Episode 25 of Redeeming the Chaos with Laurie Christine.

You can listen to the episode here:

HOW TO SURVIVE THE SUMMER WITH A HOUSE FULL OF BOYS

So, are you looking forward to summer with your boys or are you dreading it? (It’s okay to admit it!)  For me, I think it’s a combination of both dread and anticipation. I’m definitely looking forward to some lazy mornings, pancake breakfasts, neighborhood picnics and family vacations to the beach and mountains.  But also, the thought of having all four boys home every day overwhelms me a bit.  

So, I have come up with 9 practical things that you can do this summer that will help you to stay sane and minimize the chaos in your home. 

HOW TO MINIMIZE CHAOS IN YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

* Have a plan

My husband and I sat down to discuss a schedule for our boys this summer. Granted, we’ll be out of town quite a bit, but on the days we’re at home, we want to have some semblance of normalcy in our household. 

What types of things should you include in your daily / weekly schedule?  This will look different for every household, but here’s what we did:  

* 8:00-8:30 – Morning chores* 8:30 – 10:00 – TV time. No TV no until all brothers are awake.  * 10:00-10:15 – Family Devotions. I’m going to try having our family Bible time in the morning over the summer months, rather than before bed. During the school year we’ve always had family Bible time in the evening, but in the summer with longer, lighter days, bedtime is already going to be more difficult. * Video games will only take place 2 days a week.* Reading is an essential part of our summer vacation schedule – both reading independently, if your kids are old enough, as well as family reading time.  (More on that in a minute!)

Other things to consider adding to your daily schedule might be: outside time, quiet time, reading time, practice musical instrument, etc. Obviously each family’s schedule will look different, but there is comfort for your kids in knowing what to expect and what is expected of them.

* Put them to work

When kids are given responsibilities in your household, they will feel like they play a valuable role in your family. Plus, chores teach kids the value of hard work, the value of getting a reward for their work (money or tickets or whatever), and YOU get some help around the house!  It’s a win for everyone.

We have a chore chart system where the boys can earn tickets and money for completing certain chores.  Depending on the age of your children, you can decide which chores are appropriate for them. Some of our chores include unloading the dishwasher, feeding the dog, doing a load of laundry, putting laundry away, practicing the piano, and reading.

Speaking of reading…

* READ with your kids! 

Make reading a priority in your house this summer.  In our family, we incorporate reading into our daily “chore” chart – so they are actually earning “tickets” for re...