I love having my kids home. I always looked forward to summer vacation and the magic it brings. However, with everyone home full-time and the schedules slowing down, everyone gets a little...shall I say lazy? Putting things away isn't the highest priority for kids and this can just build and build until the chaos is too much.
Here are a few ideas to help keep your home organized throughout the summer without causing unnecessary stress.
Organizing the House
For closets and drawers, make the switch from winter to summer. Now is a great time to purge the winter hats and mittens and bring out the tank tops and bathing suits! Make sure it is clear what clothing goes where. By having your child help put away their clothes with you, they know that their socks and underwear go in the top drawer while tee shirts go in the second. This will help teach them how to put their clothes away on their own.
Garage, Shed, Attic
Organize your summer toys by going through the garage, attic, or wherever you have stored your summer sports equipment, outdoor games, and pool toys. Find a place for everything and label it! This will help ensure they are put back where they go and don’t overtake the house.
Home Maintenance
I always use the change of seasons as a reminder to do some of the pesky home maintenance chores. Here are a few:
Change out the air conditioners filters
Buy new rugs for the doors
Wash the windows
Pressure wash the house, porch, and roof
Kitchen
The Kitchen is the heart of every home and kids are always hungry. Set up a snack station so your child can grab something on their own. Of course this will depend on the age of your child and be sure to set ground rules as to how much snacking they are allowed. Put healthy snacks within reach in your pantry or refrigerator. I always wash and cut produce when I get home from the grocery and store them in easy to reach containers so there are always fruits and veggies ready to eat. Buy individual sizes of yogurt and applesauce, cheese sticks are another easy snack.
You can find some great healthy snack that you and your kids can make together ideas at Tastes better from Scratch, here.
Taste of Home has done the leg work for you with their list of the Best Produce Keepers on Amazon, here.
Just remember, summer break is a marathon not a sprint, so take your time finding what works for you and your kids. And if you need a little help, you know who to call.
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