When summer starts getting closer my anxiety can go into overdrive. Like, hyper-overdrive. Is that a thing? I say, yes. Maybe you’re feeling it too. It could be because of more face-to-face handoffs with a co-parent or more time with the kids or less time with the kids or more sibling fighting or a million other things.
Maybe you aren’t stressed but just want to have a great time together. Awesome. I have learned (through trial and LOTS of error) a few things that have helped keep my anxiety more in check. Summer schedules vary dramatically for stepfamilies but these SUPER SIMPLE hacks have helped make these months more enjoyable. And did I mention they’re simple?
1. Text or email the kids summer schedule to their friends’ parents. We live in a neighborhood with lots of kids. They bounce from one house to the next and it’s the best! But there were so many times in the past when their friends would come over or call on days when the kids weren’t with us. Such a bummer for them! A few years back I started texting the parents all of the dates when our kids would be with us. A SIMPLE thing that has made a huge difference.
Extra Credit: Set up playdates when you are sending out the schedule so they go on the calendar right then!
2. Make a Summer Bucket List. Jamie at @wanderandscout has been my inspiration with this! She does one with her kids for every season and we adopted it into our family traditions. This ONE thing has been really special for us. We have spent fun, quality time together because of it. Our seasonal bucket lists have been hugely helpful in blending and bonding our family. It’s made us more purposeful with the use of our time together.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. This year, we went out to eat and wrote it on the back of a kids menu! (Seriously). Jamie also does a three month summer calendar. All the months are on one large page so it makes plugging in your bucket list easy. I love being able to see our entire summer at a glance. Go HERE to 8minuteclasses to check it out.
Extra Credit: Hang it somewhere everyone can see it everyday.
Double Extra Credit: Listen to the fabulous 3 in 30 Podcasts with Rachel Nielson when Jamie is interviewed about her bucket lists and summer ideas.
3. Make meals ahead or double what you are already making and freeze it for later. If you need more inspiration, Jordan Page at Fun Cheap or Free and Shelf Cooking is the Queen of this. With our already limited time together, I don’t want to spend all of it in the kitchen. If cooking/baking is your jam, a bonding opportunity or an escape, don’t change a thing! But, if meals are stressful DO IT. If you can find the time and space, it’s gonna change your life! It doesn’t just have to be dinner. It can be snacks or breakfast too.
I made a HUGE batch of muffins this week that my kids love. They have Kodiak Cake Mix in them so the protein helps it to stay with them a little longer (I think? Maybe? Seems like the kids are ALWAYS starving in the summer). I got this recipe from @kristydenney. I did pumpkin, mixed berry and banana (the pumpkin and banana are the fan favorites at the Swank Household, probably because of the chocolate chips).
BUT here’s the deal: If you hate the kitchen and this seems like too much work, stock up some stuff from the freezer section. Microwavable. Toasterable. Kids help themselvesable (fingers crossed). Do it, and do it guilt free. Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought microwaveable pancakes (me!).
Extra Credit: Make it a family project, they can request their favorites and then help you make it.
That’s it. Do these three simple hacks and you will have the PERFECT summer (riiiiiiiiiight). Okay, so maybe not perfect, but better!
I’d love to hear about some of your EASY summer hacks! Head over to @theblendingplace and share them with me. Happy summer stepmama, you’ve got this.
