School is OUT and summer is here. It’s hot outside and you don’t know what to do with the kids. Many people dread this time of year because there can be a lot of boredom and frustration, and too much screen time!
Most of us thrive on some sort of structure. After a few days of freedom, it may be time to get into a routine. Whether the child is home with a parent or a sitter, here is an idea that might help everyone feel happier and more productive.
Try the time-chunking method. Create and name chunks of time that you can either use consistently each day or move around when you have other appointments. Here are a few ideas to illustrate the principle; however, the possibilities for “chunks” are endless!
1. Chore time–everyone pitches in to do a few things around the house. It can be very short and might include you pushing your child around in a laundry basket! Get a few things done, but don’t stress!
2. Outing time–pick a place to go everyday that will get you out of the house for at least a little while. Go somewhere that has air conditioning, like the public library, the museum, Chick-Fil-A, Little Gym, or a family member or friend’s house. Try to stay out for a couple of hours.
3. Craft time–play with playdoh, construction paper, markers, paints (make the medium different each day). This may be something that the child can do independently, freeing up time for mom or dad to start a meal.
4. Outside time–Figure out when the outside temperature is bearable and, if developmentally appropriate and safe, send your kiddos out to play. Give them ice or water activities that can keep them cool, including spray bottles, plastic hammers and pieces of ice, and side walk chalk. Of course, bikes, scooters, and running through sprinklers can be so much fun!
5. Cooking/Baking time–This might be a tough one to incorporate every day, but could be a fun add-in. Your child can help out with cooking or baking tasks. Give him/her a job such as being “the Measurer” or “the Pourer” or “the Stirrer.”
6. Reading time–This means that it is time to look at books, read books together, listen to audiobooks or act out stories.
7. Screen time–If your child is old enough and loves doing things on the phone or tablet, or has his/her favorite shows, designate a chunk of time for this. If the child knows there is a designated beginning and end, they will be less likely to beg you all day for the iPad.
In order to get used to time chunks, you may initially have to be very actively involved, showing the child the many things they can do during these times and teaching them about how the time chunks work. Using a timer and a visual schedule can help support your child’s understanding of what the day will look like and the predictability of the day. Use a whiteboard or bulletin board to draw or post pictures that indicated what “chunks” will be happening that day. As the child gets used to what the different time chunks mean and how long they last, he or she will enjoy the predictability of it and may become more independent, allowing caregivers to have more time to take care of other responsibilities.
Here’s to a fun and productive summer!