A meme floating around Facebook says, “All these moms are on Pinterest making their own soap and reindeer-shaped treats, and I’m all like ‘I took a shower and kept the kids alive.’” Although it’s supposed to be humorous, my guess is that this falls under the category, “many a true word spoken in jest.” And as we move into summer – and school vacations – it may be more applicable than ever.

Perhaps summer survival for parents and grandparents lies in a combination of planning and managing expectations:

Keep it simple

This is not the time to slave over a hot stove or oven. Keep meals simple and cool…and take advantage of the barbeque grill if you have one!

Be flexible

Maintain a routine, but be flexible. Exceptions are bound to occur, and it’s even more fun when those exceptions are built into your schedule!

Safety first

When was the last time you checked your first aid kit? Do you even know where it is? Update it with alcohol wipes, bandaids, first aid cream, and other necessities.

Fun in the sun

Take advantage of the warm weather and shoo the kids outdoors. Allow your children to make lemonade and set up a stand. If you don’t have a pool, your family can still enjoy water games – this is the perfect time for water balloon fights!

Rainy days

What to do about those rainy days? Before you default to video games and television, consider the world of books. Read together as a family. Take turns having someone read aloud. Choose a mystery to keep everyone engaged!

Free is good

Many communities offer free or low cost summer activities. Check with your community parks and recreation department. Or call the local bowling alley – many offer a Kids Bowl Free program each summer.

Put ’em to work!

If you’re like most families, there are a few chores that have piled up during the school year. Enlist your kids to help with the weeding, sorting, organizing, etc. Create incentives for completion, such as a movie day or dinner out at their choice of restaurant.

Globetrot!

Okay, maybe not literally. But Focus on the Family unveiled a program last summer called Around the World in Sixty Days. Although dated 2013, it’s still a terrific summer activity, especially for those rainy days.

The program allows you and your family to explore twenty-seven different countries on six continents. For each day of the trip, they packed a Bible lesson and an activity to give your family a glimpse into another culture. Check out http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Features/Magazine/2013/around-the-world-in-60-days.aspx for more information.

All in a day…

Vacations can be expensive, so consider planning day trips. Is there a nearby state park you’ve been meaning to visit? How about an aquarium or zoo? Don’t forget to check the internet or your local chamber of commerce for discount coupons and free offers.

Parental partnerships

Connect with other parents and extended family to arrange for sleepovers. By rotating homes, everyone receives a needed break!

Pray!

Oops – this should have been the first suggestion instead of the last!

Still panicked for ideas? Go to www.Pinterest.com and type summer activities in the search box in the upper left corner. Even if you don’t have a Pinterest account, you’ll find enough ideas to fill three summers!

Plan ahead so you won’t just survive the summer, you and your family will thrive, too!

What summer activities have worked for you and your family?