How to Prepare for Summer with Your Kids Being Home from School

As the final school bell rings, it can feel like a tidal wave of change is about to hit your home. Suddenly, the structure of the school year disappears, and you're left figuring out how to fill long summer days with meaning, calm, and maybe even a little fun.

Here are three practical ways to ease the transition and make the most of summer with your kids at home.

1. Build a Loose Routine

Kids — even the older ones — tend to function better when their days have some shape. That doesn’t mean scheduling every minute, but a basic rhythm can help everyone feel more settled. Think of it as creating a gentle flow: a consistent wake-up time, meals around the same hours each day, a quiet hour in the afternoon, maybe some outdoor time before dinner.

Even just posting a “typical day” on the fridge or a family whiteboard gives kids a sense of predictability. It helps them know what to expect — and it helps you keep some sanity.

2. Set Expectations Around Screen Time Early

If screen time turns into an all-day default, it’s hard to get that genie back in the bottle. That’s why it’s worth having the conversation ahead of time.

Decide what screen use will look like in your home this summer. Will you have “screen-free” hours? Will it be something earned after chores or reading? You don’t need to take an extreme stance, but having a plan gives you something to refer back to when boundaries get tested.

Whatever you choose, consistency is key. Kids tend to push back more when the rules are unclear or change day to day.

3. Stock Up on Low-Key Activities

Summer doesn’t need to be packed with expensive camps or big outings. Having a stash of simple go-to activities can make a huge difference on those inevitable “I’m bored” days.

Think bubbles, sidewalk chalk, baking ingredients, puzzles, water balloons, card games, craft supplies. Some families even create a “boredom jar” — a container filled with slips of paper, each listing a quick idea like “write a story,” “have a snack picnic outside,” or “make a comic strip.”

You don’t need to entertain your kids every minute — you just need a few tools to help them get going.

Final Thought

Preparing for summer isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about giving your family enough structure to feel secure, and enough flexibility to enjoy the season. With a little intention, this summer can be less overwhelming — and maybe even more fun than you expected.