Summer is here! And with it, a welcome and needed break from our busy schedules and routines. With 2 kids in school and extracurricular activities, this mom/chauffeur was ready.
But if I’m being honest, I was also a little apprehensive about navigating the lack of structure and daily routines that come with summer break. Our school day routines–though challenging–help us maintain many of our better habits. Especially when it comes to the kids’ oral hygiene routines and encouraging healthier snack choices. Looking ahead to the next few weeks, here are 4 things we’re trying to get back on track while still enjoying our summer break.
Establishing Daily Routines
So far our summer has included lots of reading, Lego building, STEAM activities/projects, a visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Key lime pie in the Keys, family movies, and visits to the library. But now that we’re a few weeks in, I’m itching for a little more of a consistent daily routine. We all do better when we have a sense of what to expect, and what’s expected of us.
The best place to start? Setting regular wake times and bedtimes–at least on weekdays. These regular rhythms are good for our bodies and minds and help us to strike a healthy balance. After waking, there’s getting dressed, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast. And then almost the reverse at bedtime: dinner, bathtime, flossing, and brushing. With those bookends in place, we can move on to meal and snack times, then sketch out activities for the rest of the day. In pencil, of course.
Creating Weekly Rhythms
Last year, fellow MMC Contributor Holly Farver shared a creative idea she saw on IG about a weekly board to help create a simple weekly rhythm. I like it because it’s a fun and creative way to differentiate between the days of the week. Especially when lazy summer days begin to run together.
The themes for each day of the week give a little structure while still allowing for flexibility. And the kids can help plan the activities for the week, which is a great way to give them some input on the family schedule. Having an activity planned also helps keep those morning routines from falling apart.
Planning Meals & Snacks
I have a love/hate relationship with meal planning. But I’ve found that when I take the time to plan out meals and snacks, we all eat better and make better snack choices. When the kids are asking what we’re having for lunch or dinner, I have a ready answer. And when they’re asking for snacks, I have healthier options for them to choose from. Otherwise, it’s harder to shut down the begging for chips, cookies, candy, juices, or sports drinks that will make them hyper and can lead to a variety of issues, including tooth decay. Low-fat cheese, whole fruit, veggies, and raw nuts or nut butter are great healthy snack options that fuel kids’ bodies and also contribute to their oral health!
Scheduling Doctor’s & Dentist Appointments
Summer is also a great time to schedule visits to the doctor or the dentist. Especially if the kids need to get back on track with routine dental exams and cleanings. It’s a great way to reinforce healthy routines and hit the reset button before the start of another school year. Heads up though–it’s also the busiest time of year for pediatric dental offices and appointments can quickly become unavailable.
If you’re looking for a local pediatric dentist, call Dr. Bob! Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist—conveniently located in South Miami–is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Bob’s small boutique practice has a wonderful family feel, and his team strives to provide the exceptional care your child deserves. You may even find your kids begging to go back! For questions or to schedule an appointment, you can reach Dr. Bob’s practice by phone at 305-397-8214 or via their website. Call to schedule today, and then get back to making those fun summer plans!
