Summer is here!
Who is excited for summer!?
We survived the craziness of May, friends. All the grades are in, the concerts are done, and the projects are finished. Our teens can relax, sleep in, and spend more time with friends.
Along with less structure and more free time, though, can come a bit of chaos. Routines get changed and it's easy to fall into an "I don't feel like doing anything" attitude. If all of us (parents included) are going to have a good summer, it's important to have a family meeting and put a few rules/new routines into place.
Here are a few things to discuss as summer gets started:
How are chores going to be handled? Who will do what and by when?
When is curfew?
How much advanced notice do you need to give rides?
Are there times that friends can't come over, and how long can they stay when they do come over?
How will you handle meals and snacks? Are there some meals that are at certain times and others that are flexible?
Who is in charge of dishes, wiping up, cooking, etc.?
Will you "require" your teen to come on family outings? Which ones?
How will you communicate about the daily/weekly schedule?
Does your teen have to earn extra screen time by doing certain things (chores, exercise, practicing an instrument, etc)?
Will your teen be getting a job, and is there anything they want to save up for?
Are there any new skills you would like to teach your teen while they have more free time? Here is a list of 100 to get you started. Summer is also a great time to start doing weekly Parent Teen Nights. Learn more about those here.
Will you create an "I'm bored" list together that has items on it everyone can do when they are feeling bored/restless? See this attached PDF of 100 non-screen things teens can do to get the family thinking.
What is on everyone's summer bucket list? Spend a few minutes decided what will happen and when. Summer goes by fast!
Every summer has a story. What will yours be?