Take a page out of business management manuals and set your summer up for success with a little "win-win" thinking that involves your kids and their feedback.
For the past several years, Julie Kaiser, our Director of Editorial Content, has made a point to take her kids out to lunch – one on one - to talk about the upcoming summer. She takes a notebook and pen and spends time asking questions and taking notes about their answers. Here's a sample of the questions she asks her kids:
- What is on your Top Five List of fun things to do this summer? From the crazy dreams to everyday stuff.
- What special snacks or treats do you want me to have on hand occasionally?
- What's a reasonable summer bedtime routine? And time?
- What chores would you like to tackle this summer on a daily basis? Weekends?
- What should the consequences be when you fight with your sister or disobey rules?
- What books do you want to read this summer?
- How much screen time is a good compromise?
Julie loves this tradition because her kids feel like they have a say in what the summer will bring. While she doesn't agree to all their wishes, she does try to honor many of them. And the discussion is often the most valuable part as they learn to negotiate different parts of the daily routine.
What do you do to prepare for the summer? Email us your best tips and we'll share them with readers this month ahead of break.
