5 Ways to Be a Rock Star Mom this Summer

5/9/2018

Lori Rogers

Experience has informed me that summer break can feel like an attempt to survive a zombie apocalypse if I don’t spend a little time planning and prepping. Below are a few helpful tips on how to not only get through, but enjoy, the summer with your kids, all while creating lasting memories for the whole family.

Gather Information
Gather information and pick a central place to keep it. Use an online calendar, a paper calendar, a wall of Post-it Notes or 3-ring binders. Find a system that works for you. Information you’ll gather might include medical appointments, summer academics, uniforms & supplies for the upcoming year, summer camps, family travel plans, games and practices, chore lists, and parents’ work schedules. Don’t forget to verify the summer schedules of the significant others in your life whose plans might impact your schedule.
Get Mentally Organized
Our most satisfying summer breaks have been those during which my family and I were all on the same page. I asked my loved ones and myself the following questions:
What are my expectations for my family for the summer?
What do I want say YES to?
What do I want to say NO to?
What special memories do I want to create?
What special memories could I be trying to force?
What’s on my Summer Bucket List?
What’s on my family’s Summer Bucket List?
Create an I’m Bored List
First of all, remember that it's okay and even good for children to be bored sometimes. It helps them grow in patience, and is condusive to reflection and creativity. BUT, when they push the envelope, you can pull out your handy list of Mom-Approved Activities. (I’m not looking at you Xbox!) I create a poster-sized list and post in the kitchen. When a child declares “MOM! I am bored,” I simply point to the list.
Have a Plan B
This is an extension of the I’m Bored List. Sometimes the boredom is deep and requires special intervention. Sometimes you need to take a 2-hour conference call from the kitchen. Sometimes you just need a break. Plan B items can include arts & crafts supplies or activity boxes, like those from Kiwi Co Crates or Little Passports. It could be a new movie to watch or new board games to play. You could have a hidden stash of new story books, comics, or magazines.
Remember to Breathe
Summer is a blast; however it also brings a different dynamic to our household, especially now that I work from home. It can at times feel like my boys are the dictators princes of summer. I minimize my stress by planning for my work schedule, booking a sitter, trading off childcare with friends, setting up date nights and ladies nights, as well as, sending the boys to Granny and Grandpa’s house.

Pro Tip #1 Sanity Saver: Remember to set limits (or reestablish limits) with your kiddos, and let them know ahead of time what you expect of them during the summer.

Pro Tip #2 Sanity Saver: When you book a spa appointment at Lifetime Fitness (membership is not required for the spa), you can use the club (including childcare) for free all day. Enjoy a massage, and then take the kids to their amazing pool.

Resources: We are fortunate to live in an area with an abundance of parks, museums, theaters and much more! Some of my favorite go-to websites are Cumming Local, 365 Atlanta Family, Explore Georgia and Atlanta Parent.

The Cheap Seats: Free or Discounted Movies

Regal Summer Movie Express
AMC: Summer Movie Camp
Movies 400
Studio Movie Grill
Georgia Movies in the Park
The library

Cheap Seats Pro Tips: Arrive early, as many camps and daycares also frequent these theaters. Some theaters offer discounted ticket prices and/or refreshments.

Get Physical:

20+ Playgrounds and Parks in Forsyth
Fowler Park
Central Park
Buford Dam Park
Sawnee Mountain
Coal Mountain
Poole’s Mill State Parks and Ranger Programs
Cumming Aquatic Center
Stars & Strikes Family Entertainment Center
Let’s Roll Skate ‘n Fun
Monkey Joe’s
Catch Air
Sky Zone
Launch
The Ice
Chattahoochee Nature Center

Feeling Bookish:
Check out your local library or bookstore to earn free books with reading goals. Watch for story times, activities and special guests for most age groups.

Feeling Crafty:
Visit Michael’s, Joanna’s , Pinspiration, Jae Bird’s Creations, Pine & Pigment, or the Art Barn.

Summer Camps: Pinecrest Academy, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, YMCA, Dance, theater, karate, Vacation Bible Schools

The ATL and Beyond: Children’s Museum Center for Puppetry Arts Zoo Atlanta Georgia Aquarium High Museum of Art World of Coca-Cola State Capitol CDC Carlos Museum Six Flags Over Georgia Atlanta Botanical Gardens CNN Center Fernbank Museum of Natural History Fernbank Planetarium Tellus Museum Atlanta History Center Adventures

So, how do you survive and thrive in the summer with kids? We welcome your comments and suggestions!

Lori Rogers is a CTA (Certified Travel Associate) Independent Vacation Concierge and Affiliate of MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel. She can be reached at lori.rogers@mei-travel.com. Visit her on Facebook and Instagram: Lori is Mom to Jacob (14 years old) and Daniel (12 years old) and wife to Chris.