Are you wondering what you’re going to do with your kiddos all summer? Do you feel overwhelmed with all that you have to do and want to do? Well, I have this one summer survival hack that will not only help you this summer but all year round.
One of the best ways to keep stress low and joy high in your heart and home this summer is by creating structure and consistency through rhythms and routines.
I know the word “structure” can sound scary but it doesn’t have to be. Structure actually helps create space for flexibility and margin in your life. It can be flexible, fun, and intentional.
Routines actually help with decision fatigue and the constant pushback you get from your kids over the day-to-day things. Once it becomes a routine your children will know this is what’s expected of them.
My One Summer Survival Hack for Moms
So I want to share a mom hack that will help you create some rhythms & routines this summer.
It’s called “When and Then” phrase and it’s used by parenting professionals all over the world. I discovered this when my kids were toddlers and to this day we still use it. It’s actually quite simple but the magic happens when you are consistent.
You can use it this phrase in two ways.
First I want to show you how to get the most out of it for the summer.
- So let’s break up your day into 2 parts: morning and afternoon.
- Then write down everything you want your kids to do in each of those blocks.
- Now comes the “When and Then”. Let’s say for your morning block the things you would like accomplished is: get dressed, clean room, chores, and connecting with God.
So what you’ll say is, “When you do these 4 things by 10:30 THEN you can get on your screen for 30 minutes at 10:30.
Maybe in the afternoon, your child wants to have a friend over so you can say “If you do ____ by 2 p.m. THEN your friend can come over at 2:30.” - You’ll want your “THEN” to be something that motivates them and is something they can enjoy right away when they complete the task. It shouldn’t be something they will get on another day but something they’ll do or get after their “WHEN” is completed. Also, if you make the “THEN” to have a friend over and they really don’t enjoy that well it’s not going to motivate them. So figure out what motivates your child.
The only way this “When and Then” phrase will work its magic is if you stay consistent. If you tell your child that they have to do these 4 things by 10:30 and they don’t do it but you still let them have screen time then they’ll only see it as a threat. And we don’t do threats.
The second way you can use the “When and Then” phrase is for random things throughout your day but you don’t want to overuse it or it will lose its magic. You can find other things that will motivate your children like a “ticket system”. I’ll share more about these two things and more in my “Summer Survival Hacks for Moms” workshop. Check it out below!
Summer Rhythms & Routines Challenge
So I want to help you enjoy your summer by teaching a few tips and tricks to create a flexible but structured summer.
Join me in our Summer Routines & Rhythms Challenge! I will teach you how to create a structure that fits YOUR family and can be tailored to the stage of life your family is in. I will show you how to bring a family team mentality into your home and your children will sense they have something valuable to offer.
I coach parents on how to bring connection and faith in the home. I want to help you be intentional in your home this summer!
The non-evasive structure I share with you will actually bring flexibility and margin. Everything below is customizable for your family. In my workshops I will teach you:
Who needs this?
- If you feel overwhelmed by everything you have to do.
- You feel like you’re doing it alone and doing it all.
- Living in stress mode constantly.
- Are you tired of chaotic summers?
- If you have children from 3-16 years olds?
So are you ready for more peace, connection, and time for you to enjoy life and your family?
Join our Summer Routines & Rhythms Challenge!
