3 Summer Survival Tips for the Homeschool Mom

• Lounging by the pool
• Catching up on reading
• Taking that class we’ve been eyeing
• Finishing the to do list we’ve been putting off

Summer is amazing, right? Wrong! Well, kind of wrong. Summer is nice, but those picture perfect days are short lived. Before too long, our kids are going to be driving us bonkers.

Let’s face it, homeschooling means our kids are used to structure. They are used to days filled with learning, and too many days off will make us all a little crazy. So, what’s a homeschool mom to do?

Put Them to Work This Summer

Those weeds need pulled from the flower bed. Oh, you want to learn to mow grass? Go for it! Yes, you can play in the water hose, just do it over there, near the flowerbeds; they are starting to look a little brown. Or, play with it while washing my van… it’s been awhile.

Okay, in all seriousness though, there is no reason why the kids can’t learn a little bit of responsibility during summer vacation. So, put them to work! Give them chores or let them get a summer job:

• babysitting
• serving as a mother’s helper
• mowing lawns
• pulling weeds
• walking dogs
• cleaning pools

Even young children can help by picking toys up in the yard or giving the pets water.

Say No to Expensive and Elaborate Summer Plans

When the kids are borderline bored, you may be tempted to sign them up for an organized activity or start scheming to make their summer the best one ever! Don't do it.

Seriously. Just say no. The elaborate summer camps, extended pool days, messy crafts, and all those fancy summer bucket list ideas? They aren’t necessary. Really.

Have each child pick one thing that she really wants to do this summer, and be sure to make time for it. Other than that, give yourself a break.

• Playing in the back yard? FREE!
• Summer reading at the library? FREE!
• Park play dates with friends? FREE!

White space is something we all need—even our kids.

School Year Round for a Shorter Summer Break

We are giving year round schooling a try for the first time this year, and let me say, so far we like it! Schooling year round is one way to kick summer boredom to the curb. With a six-week break instead of a twelve-week one, the odds of our being bored before summer ends are slim to none. Plus, with year-round homeschool, there are no learning loss gaps to fill when school resumes in the fall.

Summer vacations are great until they're not. Hopefully these survival tips help you make this summer vacation one you actually enjoy all the way through.

About the Author

Misty Bailey is a homeschool mom of three and has been homeschooling for over 5 years. You can read about her homeschool journey and more on her blog, Joy in the Journey.