You Still Have Time! Summer Isn't Over Yet!

Summer is almost over and there is still time left! There is still time to hang out by the pool, take the kiddos out for an evening bike ride, cool down with a trip to Sonic for slushie drinks, and a whole bunch of free time to do chores before screen time! You've probably had an already stressful summer and kiddos have been challenging when dealing with those unstructured moments ad attempt to remain emotionally regulated and mentally flexible. While they are running around with their squad, take this time to recharge and read through this blog. Hopefully, it will inspire you and give you a boost of creativity and providing yourself with a whole bunch of grace. As overwhelming as it can be, just remember it will never be 100% perfect or go the way we had been expecting. Things will unexpectedly have barriers and we need to make sure that we are ready for what comes our way.

Here are some parenting tips to support continued growth in your young children's compliant behaviors as we wind down the summer and gear up for another school year:

1. Maintain your established clear expectations: It can be helpful to maintain clear and age-appropriate expectations for your child's behavior throughout the summer. Making sure you had already clearly communicate these expectations and explain the reasons behind them. For example, if you expect your child to clean up their toys after playing on the floor, explain that it helps keep the room tidy and reduce risks for accidents.

2. Continue your routine: It has been proven that children thrive on routine as it provides structure and predictability. Continue your daily routine for your child during the final weeks of summer break, including fixed times for meals, outdoor activities, learning, and rest. Talk with your family about what they would want to do throughout the week and see which days would be best and attempt to plug in time for connection and time for individual play. Consistency in routine can help reduce resistance and increase compliance.

3. Continue use positive reinforcement: Kiddos will do best when they have a goal to work towards. Recognize and reward your child's compliant behaviors. Providing praise through verbal praise, a sticker chart, or a small reward system can provide acknowledgement of their efforts when they follow instructions or behave well! Use of positive reinforcement encourages your child to repeat the desired behaviors and hopefully you see small changes over time.

4. Give choices within limits: The "this or that" trick. Providing choices gives children a sense of autonomy and can increase compliance. Offer your child limited choices (preferably 2) to help them feel involved in decision-making. For example, you can ask, "Would you like to play with your blocks or read a book before bedtime?" This allows them to feel in control while still following your guidelines. It's more effective when you're still working towards your goal of bedtime and not a choice that can divert from the structure you have been attempting to maintain .

5. Remember, they're watching: Be a role model! Children learn by observing their parents. Attempt to model the behavior you want to see in your child. Show them how to follow instructions, be respectful, and handle emotions appropriately! When they see you practicing what you preach, they are more likely to emulate those behaviors.

6. If helpful, continue use of visual aids and reminders: Use of visual aids, such as charts, posters, or pictures, can be helpful in reminding your child about rules and expectations. Create a simple visual schedule or a chore chart that outlines their daily tasks and responsibilities. This serves as a visual reminder and can make compliance easier for your child.

7. Be sure to offer limited and specific instructions: Small steps to success! It may be more effective when you break down instructions into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Young children can feel overwhelmed by lengthy or complex instructions. Instead, provide clear, concise, and specific instructions, one at a time. For example, say, "Please put your shoes in the shoe rack" rather than giving a general instruction like, "Clean up the entryway." Reminders are okay, 5 reminders throughout the week are okay too. It may take a while for behaviors to solidify, the more consistent you are at redirecting in a supportive tone of voice, the more likely your kiddo will increase those behaviors that you are wanting.

8. Use redirection and distraction: This can help diffuse the situation quickly and give others a change to regulate their emotions and for you to reassess what is needing to happen next. If your child is displaying non-compliant behavior, use redirection or distraction techniques to shift their attention. Offer an alternative activity or redirect their focus to something positive. For example, if they refuse to share a toy, redirect their attention to a different toy or engage them in a fun game.

9. Maintain your reasonable limits that you established earlier in the summer: Boundaries are important for children to understand their limits to ensure your child's safety and well-being. Clearly define those boundaries and rules, and explain the reasons behind them. Be consistent in enforcing these limits while providing empathy and understanding. Consistency helps children understand expectations and reduces resistance. If they feel blind sighted, they will balk against the change!

10. Continue to Foster open communication: Communication is key! Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts with you and make sure to create an open and non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable discussing their emotions and concerns. When children feel heard and understood, they are more likely to comply with your requests.

Needing some help? Here are some ideas for activities to keep children entertained and engaged while you're ordering uniforms and back to school supplies:

1. Outdoor exploration: Encourage your child to explore the outdoors by going on nature walks, hiking, or visiting local parks. They can observe plants, insects, and animals or collect items like rocks or leaves for a nature-inspired art project. There are so many things to look at and check out that time will fly by!

2. Water play: Set up a water play area in your backyard with a sprinkler, kiddie pool, or water table. Children can splash, play with water toys, and stay cool during hot summer days. Make sure to leave electronics inside!

3. DIY crafts: Engage your child in do-it-yourself crafts and art projects. They can create handmade greeting cards, paint rocks, make friendship bracelets, or create collages using recycled materials. Pinterest and other crafting websites offer endless inspiration. Time to get crafty!

4. Picnics and outdoor meals: Plan a picnic in your backyard or at a local park. Let your child help pack the picnic basket and choose the menu. They can also bring along a favorite book or game to enjoy during the picnic. We already have strawberries and sandwiches packed, headed to the nearest park later today.

5. Science experiments: Conduct simple science experiments at home that are both educational and fun. Create homemade slime, make a baking soda and vinegar volcano, or explore the properties of water through various experiments. Some of these will be outdoor activities, a great way to get fresh air!

6. Indoor fort building: Help your child build a cozy indoor fort using blankets, pillows, and furniture. They can create their own little reading nook or use it as a imaginative space for pretend play. Be careful, these can topple over and cave in the middle! Make sure you plan ahead, maybe play construction site?!

7. Cooking and baking: Involve your child in the kitchen by allowing them to help with simple cooking and baking tasks. They can mix ingredients, decorate cookies, or make their own personal pizzas.

8. Board games and puzzles: Spend quality time with your child playing board games or solving puzzles. It's a great way to engage their minds and enjoy some family bonding time. Some of our favorite games are Guess Who, Life, and Apples to Apples.

9. Movie or game nights: Set up a movie or game night at home. Let your child choose their favorite movie or video game, make some popcorn, and enjoy a cozy evening together. Recently, we rented Despicable Me and Minions.

10. Virtual field trips: Explore virtual field trip options, where your child can "visit" museums, zoos, or historical sites online. Many institutions offer virtual tours and educational resources. One trip we took was to Australia to look at the Great Barrier Reef.

Remember to involve your child in the decision-making process, taking their interests and preferences into account. By providing a mix of outdoor and indoor activities, you can keep them engaged, entertained, and prevent boredom during the summer months. These lists can be used as a guide and not a catch all when thinking of ways to help your children transition into the summer. School can provide structure and a place for students to interact where as the summer can have a reverse effect. Remember, every family and every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's essential to be patient, flexible, and adapt your parenting strategies based on your child's individual needs and temperament. The 2023-2024 school year will be her sooner than we know it!