Around this time of year it is common to see lots of tips for how to keep kids entertained, how to make sure they are getting outside to play, and generally having a fun summer. That’s all well and good but what about mom? If the start of my summer is any indication I think MOM needs to carve out fun time or relaxation time even more. So far this summer I have been feeling like an unpaid babysitter. My kids all have friends over every day that want to be entertained, fed, and generally looked after while their parents work. When I protest about the extra cooking, cleaning, and even laundry (towels for after water play) that I have to do I get rolled eyes and talk of how mean I am being. In order to keep my cool and be able to handle all this extra work and stress, and yes other people’s kids stress me out, I need to make sure I am getting some me time each day and taking it easy. Here are some of my ideas:
Summer Survival Tips For Moms
1. A Rockin Summer Reading List – Our public library is promoting summer reading for kids right now but instead I am making my own reading list. I am stepping away from computer work and reading something fun and entertaining every day. I love to read but usually work comes first, but for the summer I think I need to make more time to read. I recently read the first two books in the Talon series, a series of books about dragons. I also recommend Graceling. I love that I can read wherever my kids are too.
If you have any good books to recommend let me know in the comments so I can add them to my library reserve list!
2. Catch a solo movie – In the summer the theaters open early with showtimes at 10 or 11 AM. I will often go catch the early show by myself. Sometimes I might take my oldest boy too. That way I can see all the latest summer movies (I am a huge movie buff) and get time away from the house and my duties. I save money by going before noon (for only $5), by using a rewards card that earns you free movies, and by buying theater gift cards at Giant Eagle to pay for my tickets. Each $50 gift card I buy earns me .20 cents off up to 30 gallons of gas. We get tons of free gas by using this little trick… buying gift certificates for all the places we shop.
3. Get a pedicure – If you keep it simple and just get a basic pedicure… aka massage, buffing, nail painting ect. you can minimize exposure to chemicals and still get pampered. Most places will even let you bring your own nail polish so you can buy polish without toxic chemicals and still have pretty toes. Most places also have massage chairs so you get a whole body massage and gorgeous piggies. It is a great way to spend and hour!
4. Go to the Gym – My husband and I have become gym junkies of late and when either of us has to miss our designated time it can throw off our mood off for days. We NEED that exercise and time away. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I get up before anyone else is awake is sneak away for water aerobics, a bit of running on the treadmill, followed by strength training with weights. I come home feeling refreshed and energized. I think a big part of why so many kids in the house this week has stressed me is because I missed two workout days!
5. Cook Easy Foods – I have stopped cooking big evening meals for summer because I hate heating up the house and I don’t just don’t feel like spending so much time in the kitchen. This is the season for watermelon and green smoothies for dinner! Other ideas are finger sandwiches, fruit kabobs, veggie kabobs (grilled outside), granola cereal with almond milk, chocolate/veggie smoothies served in a bowl like ice cream, flax crackers and salsa, and lots of salad. Time to whip out the 365 salad recipe book.
6. Park Fun for Parents – If you take your kids to a public pool or water park make a deal with your spouse that you will trade off watching the kids and give each other 20-30 minutes alone a couple times throughout the day. That way Dad can watch the kids while they play in the baby pool or on the water slides and you can go get in the lazy river for awhile. Another idea might be to find a couple tweens/teens you trust and offer to buy their park admission passes in exchange for 2 hours of the day spent babysitting the kids while you and hubby enjoy the park alone.
7. Take a Walk – Sometimes a 15-20 minute walk around the block can be just what we need to get away for a moment. A few evenings ago I was getting peeved about how the neighbor kids were making a huge mess in our house so I decided to round up my kids only and take a walk. We walked about a mile away to get sno-cones at the corner store. We could have drove but I need that walk! Going it alone is also a nice way to get some alone time.
8. Get Gardening – Gardening really is therapy. I enjoy carving out time to water my garden in the evenings or early mornings and also water all my houseplants. There is something about seeing your plants thrive that makes you feel content and thriving yourself.
What do you do to relax and make time for yourself during the summer months?
Sooo true! I love when the kids have company but there is a ton of extra towels to wash and dry, mud dragged in, extra kids to clean up after…. I’ve had to put a few boundaries in place. I ask guests to clean up after themselves. I don’t wait on them, I show them where things are and tell them to help themselves (and wipe the counters after!). And yes we’ve been having plenty of fruit, sandwich and salads for dinner too!
Oh how I need this list. We have 1 week to go and I need to prep and breathe. Thank you!!
Amen!
You are right…as moms we have to remember to take some times for ourselves. My daughter is my top priority but sometimes I need to make ME the top priority. Summer is a great time for it!
Gardening becomes a family event for us. Not only do the kids learn where food comes from, but they love watching worms and ladybugs and just playing around in the yard. It’s a good way to get us outside and away from the lull of the air conditioning.