Once you have all these wonderful activities gathered – it’s time to figure out your schedule. We can’t avoid housework or a job just because the kids are out of school. Figure out when the best time for you to get chores done and projects out the door before planning your list of activities.

Now you are ready to put your summer calendar together. Either print or purchase a calendar to use for your summer schedule. Then, pull out your lists of activities, hobbies, crafts and “mom and dad” chores to record on each page. Start with your work or chore schedule – it is best to do said chores or work at the same time each week day - this makes it easy for the kids to remember that you will be busy or off limits during this time. You may even be able to squeeze in this time while they are still sweetly dreaming in their beds.

Once you have that recorded, take a look at the scheduled events in your area. Record those dates down on the calendar.

You are almost done. Now, look at the calendar. You may see that the activities you’ve recorded are spread out across the months, or are lumped together. Keep in mind that you don’t want your children to be over-stimulated – you just want to provide them with great summer experiences - so, don’t go overboard. Allow one day a week as “home day.” During home day, schedule one activity – maybe craft making, washing the car, or cleaning the attic – and then keep the rest of the day as “free time.” They, and you, will need a break.

And if local activities fall on the same dates, have your kids choose which ones they would like to attend. This gives them some control over their summer vacation, and prevents a fight later.

With that said, your calendar is finished. Sit down with your kids and show them the summer plan, pointing out the specific times you must work or take care of the home, and the “free day” which gives them the opportunity to choose what they want to do around the house. They will be excited to see all the wonderful opportunities they have this summer, and you will be termed “Queen Mom” or “King Dad” for giving them this wonderful gift of stimulation.