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Are you a schedule person? By nature I am NOT! But the reality of raising a child on the autism spectrum changed that! I needed to provide him structure and predictability in order to ease his anxiety caused by not always understanding what to expect next.
It's summer. Summer has unique aspects that are different from the school year. That doesn't mean you discard schedule completely. It does mean that schedules need to fit your summer lifestyle. There is balance between lessons, camps, Vacation Bible school and all the activities that require a well kept schedule. There are other things that just won't happen without being written into the weekly schedule.
What are some examples?
Summer reading goal time everyday
Family field trips to park, science center, pool and other "regular" places in your community.
Errands: yes, errands will need to be run. It will help if the children know when to expect it. It is important that children participate and tolerate doing a necessary but non-preferred activity like this.
Play dates. There is time in the summer for play dates with friends. It may be hard work but it is so important to help children play, negotiate and developed the social and friendship skills that play dates bring.
Some time that is exclusively family time. Great activities are ladder ball, croquet, slip in slide, bike riding, roller blading.
A little academic review or intervention daily to grow or at least not experience the academic "summer slide."
A few trips to Dairy Queen.
Here is the point: life just happens and the urgent can take over. Lots of good things can be missed. These are often the things that seem like the "extras" but in reality they are what binds a family and their friends together. The rest of the year may be smoother and more effective if these things are on the summer schedule every week!
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