By Julie Adamic – educator (Executive Director of John Hancock Charter School), mom of six (ranging from 34 to 10 yrs…. Yes, I am crazy), grandma (the sparkle in my eyes), and survivor of many, many summers (but who’s counting?)
Ah, summer. That magical time of year when kids believe bedtime is optional, dishes disappear mysteriously into bedrooms, and the word “chore” is met with a dramatic gasp and cries of injustice. But fear not, fellow parent warriors! You can keep the chaos at bay with a cheerful little thing called a summer routine.
Not a rigid schedule (because this isn’t boot camp), but a flexible, happy rhythm to your day that keeps everyone from turning into screen-zombies and ensures your children arrive in August still capable of basic math and human interaction.
The Morning Routine (a.k.a. “Please don’t wake me before 8”)
Let’s be honest—there is no need to wake your kids at 6:30 a.m. during summer unless you’re trying to catch a flight or your toddler has other plans (which they often do). Adjust wake-up times to be more relaxed—aim for a wake-up window instead of a set time. (i.e., “Sometime between 8 and 9:30 a.m. is great, sweetie. After 10? We’re nudging into sloth territory.”)
Pro Tip: Have them make their bed right away. It’s the first win of the day and gives you hope when you walk past their room.
Chore Expectations (a.k.a. “I am not your maid”)
Create a simple chore chart. Rotate jobs weekly to avoid mutiny. Keep it visible—fridge, whiteboard, tattooed on their forearm—wherever they’ll notice it. Here’s a starter list:
- Dishes (yes, all summer long!)
- Vacuum common areas
- Wipe down the bathroom (no, the toothpaste doesn’t belong there)
- Clean their bedroom (what a concept!)
- Weed the yard
- Walk the dog (or the neighbor’s if you’re brave)Declutter toys and donate what they’ve outgrown
- Do their laundry (yes, they can do it!)
Tip: Attach rewards like “choose dessert,” “control the playlist,” or “skip one chore pass” to make it fun(ish).
Academic Expectations (a.k.a. “Avoiding the Summer Slide”)
Look, I’m all for summer fun, but we’re not letting their brains leak out. Keep it light but consistent:
Daily Academic Goals:
- Reading: 20–30 minutes a day. Let them choose books! Comic books, audiobooks, graphic novels—it all counts.
- Writing: Start a “Summer Journal”. They can write about their adventures, make lists, invent stories, or log all the bugs they’ve seen.
- Math: 1–2 math fact sheets or practice problems a day. Pro tip: Do it before screens are turned on!
Library Adventures: Plan a family trip to the local library every 2–3 weeks. Make it a ritual! Let them pick new books and set a “reading challenge” with small prizes when they reach goals.
Incentives That Don’t Break the Bank
Because a little motivation goes a long way (and you deserve something besides eye-rolls in return). Try:
- Bake cookies together (hello, math in the kitchen!)
- Dollar Store trip (budget: $2—one for them, one for you)
- Visit a local splash pad or park
- Backyard sleepover or tent campout
- Scavenger hunt around the neighborhood
- Sidewalk chalk art contest
- Build a cardboard box fort (epic battle optional)
Screen Time: Less is More (Seriously)
Screens are not evil… but they’re sneaky. Set clear daily limits (maybe 1–2 hours) after chores and learning time are done.
Offer swaps:
- “You want 30 extra minutes of screen time? Vacuum the living room and read for 15.”
- “You want to level up? Level up the laundry pile first.”
Get ‘Em Outside (Sunshine: Nature’s Mood Stabilizer)
When in doubt, boot them out. Encourage:
- Bike rides
- Nature walks
- Trips to a nearby park
- Sidewalk chalk murals
- Frisbee, water balloons, catch
- Mowing the lawn (for older kids)
- Gardening (pulling weeds counts)
They’ll be happier, healthier, and much less likely to duct tape their sibling to a wall.
Most Importantly: Make Memories
Yes, set routines. Yes, have expectations. But don’t forget the why. Summer is a gift—a break from the frantic pace of the school year. Make room for:
- Lazy mornings with pancakes
- Evening walks with ice cream cones
- Giggle-fests and movie nights
- Watching stars from a blanket on the lawn
You’re building memories. You’re shaping habits. And you’re keeping your sanity in the process.
Routine + flexibility = summer success. You’ve got this, friend. And when in doubt? Deep breaths. Hide in the bathroom. Eat some dark chocolate.
Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, sanity, and just enough structure to keep the wheels from falling off.
Julie Adamic is a lifelong educator, mom of six, and Executive Director at John Hancock Charter School. With over 35 years of experience in classrooms, committees, and school leadership, Julie brings wisdom, warmth, and a sense of humor to everything she writes. She’s passionate about supporting families, building strong communities, and finding grace in the messy, beautiful world of parenting and education.
Whether she’s organizing a school event, hiding in the pantry for a quiet moment, or navigating the ups and downs of raising good human beings, Julie writes with the honesty and heart of someone who’s truly been there. Her columns offer real-life insight, encouragement, and the occasional chocolate-fueled pep talk—all from someone who knows that perfection isn’t the goal… but connection is.
When she’s not writing or wrangling children (or both), Julie enjoys fall leaves, good books, bad dad jokes, and pretending that online shopping counts as a hobby.