How to Make Summer Break Less Stressful for Your Family

Are your kids out of school for the summer?  Balancing your work life with your children's open summer can be stressful. How do you keep everyone entertained and productive over the next three months?

With the following tips, you can make your summer break more enjoyable and leave the stress behind.

1. Start with a List

Look up local camps, classes, and festivals you would like your kids to go to. Sign up for volunteer opportunities and plan a few free days for your children. Plan only one event per day and pencil those events into your calendar. Set reminders so you can arrange pick-up and drop-off times or take a day off work if needed.

You can also ask your kids what they would like to do over the summer and write those things down on your list.  Depending on what works best for your family, you can plan the entire summer in one sitting or plan on a weekly or monthly basis.

2. Plan and Organize Various Day Trips

You may not be able to take the entire summer off work, but you do not have to miss out on quality family time. Stay close to home and plan one or two-day trips a month — aim for one during the week and one on a weekend so you can save some of your paid time off for the holiday months.

Plan outdoor hikes, walks through local museums, visits to the zoo or aquarium — whatever interests you and your kids! You can even host a backyard movie night at home if you'd like.

3. Arrange Activities with Your Friends or Neighbors

You can still keep your kids active and entertained even when you have to work. Talk with your friends and neighbors and schedule some playdates or activities over the summer. Send your children to a family friend's house for backyard water games one day. On another, have your friend's kids come to your house for a campout.

4. Look for Discounts

The summer season can get expensive quickly. You will likely need to pay for extra groceries, trips to the movie theater, or shopping excursions, but you do not have to drain your wallet to keep your household running.

Look for discounts to maximize your savings. Shop the ads and stock up on groceries when they are on sale. Send your kids to the movies for an early-bird or matinee showing. Check out Groupon (or another coupon app) to get more discounts on group activities.

5. Meal Prep for the Week

Your family needs to eat during the summer, and because your kids do not have school, they will likely be home for every meal. Spend one day a week (either a weekday or weekend) and meal prep for the coming week.

Create a meal plan and shopping list, and stock your fridge and pantry with prepared breakfasts, lunches, and snacks your kids can just grab on the go.

6. Hire a Cleaning Service

Instead of worrying about your home's cleanliness this summer, hire a cleaning service to tackle the task for you. Professionals offer various cleaning services that fit your needs, schedule, and budget.

Book a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning for the entire summer so you can enjoy time with your family instead of stressing about the state of your home.

Use the tips listed here to make the most out of this time you have with your kids. Once they start school again, they will have countless stories to share with their classmates, and you can feel proud of a summer well planned. Start enjoying your summer today!