Let's be honest. There's something wonderful about it too. But it can be draining to make the switch from the school schedule to the summer schedule. And summer is no vacation for you. With the kids home and demanding more from you, it can be even more work than when they're at school.
A positive attitude works best. You do need to adapt, but this also means you have the opportunity to really enjoy your family. Plan fun activities with your children. Get out and have those adventures that just wouldn't work out during the school year.
You don't have to spend a fortune either. One of the beauties of summer is all the things you can do outside. Beaches, parks, playgrounds, hiking... the weather is perfect for just about any place you would like to go for summer play.
But some things do cost money. Summer camps or day camps are a great way to keep the kids entertained, but they do cost money. Swimming lessons are an option I strongly recommend whether or not your children have other access to water. Just a good skill to learn.
With younger children it can be hard to get out and about. They require so much watching, especially if water is involved. Sometimes entertaining them at home is just simpler. My own preference is to do things like turn on the sprinklers to water the lawn at a time that the kids can play in the water. It's a little less efficient in terms of the lawn absorbing the water, but the kids have a blast.
The trouble can be how exhausting all the running about can be. Despite the rose colored way many people view the life of a stay at home mom, the obligations can wear you out quickly, and you won't always feel like doing things with the kids away from home.
I suggest being ready with the creative activities. If you're low on art and craft supplies, summer is a great time to stock up again. My kids love heading to the craft store and I could never buy every craft that catches their attention. However, we do get some great ideas.
As children get into their teens, it is probably time to encourage them to try babysitting. Have them talk to parents of younger children in the neighborhood and see if they can find work. Younger teens generally love being able to earn money.
Summer is an adjustment, but it can also be a lot of fun. Taking the time to enjoy the time with your kids is something you won't regret, even when you're exhausted by all the demands.
According to a report at , a Stay-at-Home Mom is worth 134k per year. I so agree with that. Stay-at-Home Moms have been and always will be the backbone of this society. A bold statement? Sure it is and I stand behind it.
Although their time taking care of the home, the kids, the wash, and much more is very valuable, many of them feel unsatisfied. The pressure of living on a single income often times creeps into their dreams. This backwards world tells us that a mom that gives herself entirely to her family and refuses to work outside the home is just plain lazy. I call it loyalty and honorable. That message is so messed up. It is such a shame that they get people to believe that. Those moms who do end up buying into the lie and then venture outside the home for a job are in for a rude awakening. Bosses are demanding, positions are demanding. The owners want to squeeze out every last cent they can and putting unfair demands on their employees is not unheard of. More often than not, the mom's family, which was once on solid ground, is now resting on sinking sand.
My wife is a full-time Stay-at-Home Mom and I know the hours she puts in. There are not that many hours in a day to do what she does and keep our home running, while dedicating herself to a job outside the home. It's like pushing a marshmellow through a keyhole. Something has to give and it tends to be the family. 24 hours of time cannot fit on a 12-hour clock. The numbers go from one to 12 and no further, no matter how bad you want them to.
The solution is a home-based business where a "household engineeer" can put in a couple hours a week from the comfort of her own home and bring some extra money into the family's bank account. Or maybe to get some extra spending money. Lord knows, you deserve it, ladies!
134k a year? I say you're worth more. A good solid home-based business based on something you love to do would be a perfect fit if you're feeling antsy. Whatever you do, don't give up your family. They are worth it and you are blessed because of your loyalty to them.
Both Stephanie Foster & Tony Thomas are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephanie Foster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Shopping and Pets. Stephanie Foster runs her site as a . For more tips on having fun with your kids, visit. Stephanie Foster's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.
Tony Thomas has sinced written about articles on various topics from Small Business, Self Improvement and Motivation and Marketing. Tony Thomas has been married to his high school sweetheart for 21 years. He believes that quality time away together is vital in keeping a relationship alive and kicking. That's why he created Romantic Oregon Coast Vacations at. Tony Thomas's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.