Can you hear that sound? Listen closely – there it is, drifting down all the streets of America. It’s the sound of SUMMER VACATION (which mostly sounds like screaming). And – oh, it sounds like some of those screams aren’t coming from the kids at all, but from the moms!
I know I am feeling extra overloaded this week, between school getting out, Brayden’s recovery (which is going very well!), the one-year anniversary of my book, and my upcoming Climb Out of the Darkness walk. Wow! Summer just exploded in my life! Do you know the feeling?
I won’t claim to be an expert at handling everything perfectly all the time. But I will tell you what works for our family, so we can stay happy, healthy, active and not crazy during the summer months.
When your child gets out of school, your daily routine shifts. But that doesn’t mean it stops. In fact, having a routine for each day can be your saving grace. This is especially important if you are still working on healing. Keeping a routine helps you make time for the things that are truly important – including taking care of yourself – while helping your kids feel secure and supported.
This is an excerpt from Reclaim the Joy of Motherhood:
When you are healing, your life is a balancing act. A little misstep can make you feel like you are completely out of control. So, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be consistent. Do the little things that make your life run smoothly, and do them on a schedule that works for you without stress.
It is also important for your baby to follow a routine. Babies thrive on consistency, as they adjust to all the sensory input and unexpected events of life outside the womb. Just by creating patterns and habits, you can help your child feel safe and happy from day to day.
For me, the routine was what kept me going between my diagnosis and the time when I really started to feel strong again. When I felt weak, it was okay, because I still had my routine. I knew that, no matter what, I was taking care of the necessities and doing the things that I believed would make me stronger, eventually. Some days, the necessities were all I could do. No matter what, it felt good to know that I was taking care of myself, and never letting myself down.
Every woman is different, so your routine might be very different from your neighbor’s. Do what works best for you!
Here are some things you might try working into your summer routine:
• Going to the park or going for a walk every day, perhaps with a friend. The activity can change from day to day, but having a daily time set aside for being outside can be very helpful.
• Summer day camp for older children. Zackery is going to his first soccer camp this year, and it is a wonderful part of our day.
• Scheduled meal times, with enough time to prepare healthy, fresh foods. Try making a menu for the week, so you always know what to expect!
• Set bedtimes (including for yourself) so everyone gets plenty of rest.
• A special quiet time every day, so Mommy can take care of herself!
What activities and plans are part of your routine this summer? How is your routine making life easier?
Photos courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net