Whether your kids have already finished school or are just about to, summer is a welcomed time to kick back, relax and get some good quality family time in! Here are some tips to have you ready to go, at a moments notice, for the pool, beach or an impromptu picnic.
- Stock up on Snacks –Refillable water bottles (let’s think about the environment) and healthy snacks are essential during the summer months. Clear out one of the crisper bins in your refrigerator and place pre-packaged (you can do this yourself) snacks of carrots or fruit in separate ziplock baggies. Use insulated water bottles and add a few ice cubes to each one.
- Create a System — Have at least two bathing suits and towels per person in your household. That way, if you’re headed to the beach or pool everyday, you only have to wash these items every other day. At the end of the day when you arrive home, suits and towels need to be washed; instruct your children as to where to place these items so you’re ready for the next day.
- Clean out the car — This is a great time to remove anything that’s not relevant to what you’re doing now. Pack a pool/beach bag so you’re ready to go. Include suit, towel, hat, sunblock and reading material in the bag. Add a beach chair to the trunk too!
- Create space in the garage –Make your warm-weather items accessible. Store holiday decorations up high, gardening tools out of reach of kids and consider overhead storage to stow away any other items that you don’t need regular access to. Corral balls in a handy container, bikes on a wall rack, if needed, and pool/beach toys in an easy-to-grab bag!
- Meal Plan — There’s nothing worse than after a full day of fun to realize you haven’t made dinner plans. It’s fine if you’re Rockefeller and can afford to eat out every night, but if you’re like most and on a budget, meal plan for the week so you know what to expect. Also, consider barbecuing one to two evenings a week to cut down on the heat in the house. A nd while you’re making that night’s meal, also do some chicken that you can eat cold the following night with some macaroni or potato salad and a veggie. Better yet, take a meal to the beach or pool as a picnic so your kids can enjoy a swim after dinner. Remember to wait 15 minutes before going in the water after a meal, however! (Was that truth or fiction?!)
I’d love to hear your summer solutions. Please share!
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