Summer is in full swing,and you might be running out of ideas to keep your child engaged and entertained. The key is in the preparation.

Getting Started

Assess Your Expectations

Firstly, consider what you and your child hope to get out of this summer. Is it relaxation, learning, or a mix of both? Understanding your goals will guide your planning.

Set a Routine

Summer doesn't have to mean a complete break from routine. Establishing a flexible daily routine can keep a sense of order.

Decide on wake-up times, meal times, and blocks of time for various activities, from reading to sports. With O, your AI Personal Assistant, you and your family can get personal recommendations for your daily routines that work around both you and your partners work schedules.

Summer Calendar

With a calendar visible to the whole family, such as your Ohai household calendar, plot out key dates:

• Family vacations

• Camps and workshops

• Visits to or from family

• Community events

Make sure your summer calendar is flexible enough to accommodate last-minute changes or spontaneous fun.

Planning Activities

Jot down potential activities under these categories:

• Educational: Local library programs, museum visits, science projects

• Physical: Sports, swimming, hikes, dance

• Creative: Arts and crafts, music lessons, theater camps

• Social: Playdates, family gatherings, sleepovers

• Downtime: Free play, reading, puzzles

Remember, balance is essential. You want to avoid an over-packed schedule that overwhelms. Mix in downtime with structured activities to keep things enjoyable.

Keep this checklist handy as you plan:

• Set goals

• Create a daily routine

• Fill out the summer digital calendar

• Plan a variety of activities

• Ensure there's enough downtime

Crafting a Weekly Schedule

t’s important you strike the right balance between keeping your child engaged and allowing them downtime. A thoughtful weekly schedule can help with that, along with coordinating any necessary child care.

Balancing Structure and Flexibility

To start, lay out a basic framework for each week. This might include set times for meals, educational activities, and outdoor play.

Be sure to incorporate a mix of fixed activities and blocks of free time for spontaneous fun. You'll want a mix that feels neither too rigid nor too lax.

Here's an example of what a regular summer day  could look like:

Using a framework like this, you can then pencil in specific activities, playdates, or outings while leaving room for changes based on weather or your child's mood. Using google calendar and asking O for help manage and maintain said calendar can also keep you and your child on track to have a balanced summer

Planning for Child Care Needs

If you're working or have other commitments, lining up child care is a must. Identify the times in your schedule when you'll need a babysitter or childcare service.

Look for a trustworthy sitter who can follow your set schedule and keep the structure you’ve established, but also has the creativity to adapt as needed.

Reach out to your connections  (or have your AI assistant do it!) to confirm availability and ensure you have backup options. It’s important to communicate your schedule and expectations clearly to whoever is taking care of your child, so there’s continuity in their routine. Care coordination is essential. O can help manage your sitter, and day to day care coordination like figuring out who is picking up your kid from Grandma Joe’s house, and reminding Alex from next door to child proof their house before you drop your kids.

Summer Camps and Day Programs

When planning, selecting the right camp and preparing your child for the experience are as important as balancing camp schedules with family vacations.

Choosing the Right Summer Camp

Finding the perfect summer camp begins with understanding your child's interests and needs. Consider the camp's focus—are they sports-oriented, arts-centered, or educational?

Check the staff-to-camper ratio to ensure your child will receive enough attention and supervision. It's crucial that the camp's values align with your own, so don't hesitate to ask about their philosophy and policies.

• Types of Camps:

  • Sports camps: For active or athletic children.

  • Arts camps: Ideal for creative kids.

  • Educational camps: Enhance learning in a fun environment.

• Camp Considerations:

  • Location

  • Duration

  • Cost

  • Activities offered

Preparing for Homesickness and Independence

Homesickness is a natural part of the camp experience for many children. To mitigate this, encourage your child's independence before camp begins.

Practice sleepovers or short stays with relatives. Discuss what camp will be like, including the exciting activities and new friendships they'll form.

Additionally, ensure your child knows how they can communicate with you while away.

• Independence Skills to Practice:

  • Personal hygiene

  • Managing belongings

  • Decision-making

• Combating Homesickness:

  • Pack a favorite item from home.

  • Send pre-written letters for them to read.

Scheduling Camps Around Family Vacations

Finally,  make sure to factor in family time. Avoid scheduling camps back-to-back without breaks.

Your child will appreciate downtime, and it's vital for recharging. Consider how the camp's end or start dates align with any planned vacations. Syncing these dates can reduce stress and ensure a smooth summer for everyone.

• Calendar Planning:

  • Note camp start/end dates.

  • Mark vacation periods.

  • Allow for rest between activities.

Family Activities and Outings

As the summer unfolds, planning for family activities and outings can turn long sunny days into a treasure trove of memories. Let's look into crafting a summer bucket list and organizing your family outings to ensure you make the most of this vibrant season.

Creating a Summer Bucket List

Start by brainstorming a list of activities that cater to everyone's interests in your family.

Whether it’s outdoor adventures or board games on rainy afternoons, make sure your list has a good variety. This could include visiting local attractions, taking part in community events, or simply enjoying family time at home.

• Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, beach trips, picnics

• Educational Outings: Museums, historical sites

• Creative Activities: Pottery classes, arts and crafts at home

• Recreation: Pool days, theme parks

• At-Home Fun: Movie nights, board games, backyard camping

Ask O to help you find time every week in your calendar to make sure you complete your summer bucket list! That way you can make the memories you want to make this summer.

Make Friends

Encourage your kids to invite friends along for certain activities. It’s a splendid way to help them socialize and participate in group fun.

Organizing Family Outing Logistics

With your summer bucket list ready, attention now turns to logistics. Planning will allow you to effortlessly enjoy your outings.

1. Dates: Set tentative dates for each outing to ensure availability.

2. Budget: Estimating costs upfront will help manage your finances.

3. Transport: Organize your mode of travel, whether it's carpooling or public transit.

4. Supplies: Pack essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and a first-aid kit.

5. Technology: Use Ohai.ai to help manage your family calendar, to-do and packing lists and more!

Participate

Remember, the goal is to have everyone involved. Share the logistics planning with your family members and let the kids take charge of smaller tasks to foster a sense of participation and responsibility.

Building Healthy Habits

Incorporating healthy habits into your child's summer can lead to lasting benefits. A mix of exercise, sound nutrition, and regular sleep are foundational blocks for a healthy lifestyle.

Encouraging Regular Exercise and Sports

You can foster a love for movement by enrolling your child in various sports or structured activities. Choose from a range of options:

• Team sports like soccer or basketball for teamwork

• Swimming for all-around fitness

• Cycling or skating for fun and mobility

Exercise should be a daily ritual, even if it's a simple walk in the park or a family hike. Think about your child's interests to keep them engaged.

Prioritizing Healthy Meals and Snacks

Nutrition is crucial, so plan for balanced meals and snacks that fuel your child's body and mind. Consider this simple meal structure:

Ensure meal plans include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. O can also help you come up with meal planning ideas,  share recipes, and manage  grocery lists for you!

Setting a Consistent Sleep Schedule

A consistent sleep schedule is non-negotiable. Aim for 8-10 hours each night, adapting the times to your family's summer routine.

Remember these pointers to reinforce the sleep schedule:

• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine

• Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom

• Ensure the sleeping environment is quiet and comfortable

Ensuring Daily Responsibilities

As summer rolls in, it's crucial to keep your child engaged and accountable with a blend of chores and educational activities.

Chore Charts and Responsibilities

Chore Chart: Start with a simple table that lays out daily and weekly chores. Tailor it to your child's age and abilities. This should include tasks like:

Use stickers or checkmarks as a visual marker of progress and completion. This helps your child develop responsibility. It also helps maintain structure, even during the more relaxed summer months. You can also ask O to remind you when weekly what day your child has to do certain chores that way you can stay on track.

Summer Education and Reading Goals

Even though school's out, consider setting Education Goals. For example, dedicate an hour every weekday for learning activities. This can include:

• Reading sessions – Set a reading goal of a number of books or pages per week.

• Online courses – Use the summer to explore a new subject your child shows interest in.

• Learning projects – Plan mini-projects related to school subjects for practical understanding.

This routine nurtures a love for learning and ensures they stay sharp for the upcoming school year. Regular review of these educational goals keeps them on track without the pressure of school deadlines.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

As you enjoy the plan for warm summer, prioritize your child’s safety and their ability to handle emergencies. Ensure they're protected from the sun and stay hydrated.

Also, make sure they have the necessary emergency contacts and medication.

Sun Safety and Hydration

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your child's skin 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if they're swimming or sweating.

• Hydration: Equip your child with a refillable water bottle and encourage drinking water every 30 minutes.

• Clothing: Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats.

Emergency Contacts and Medication Readiness

Emergency Contacts:

• Primary Contact: Your phone number.

• Secondary Contact: A trusted relative or friend’s number.

• Keep a physical list. Store the numbers in your child’s device if they have one.

Medication:

• Check the expiration date. Refill prescriptions as needed.

• Teach your child when and how to take their medication.

• Store medication in a labeled, easy-to-access container.

That being said, don’t be hard on yourself. If your schedule is in a lull and there are many days with nothing planned, that’s ok! Remember that summer is also for unwinding and recharging, for both your kids AND yourself!