Summer Schedules and Mom Guilt: How to Find Balance and Enjoy the Season Ep.22

Educating Kids & Connecting Families with Christine Furman

In this enlightening episode of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families," Christine Furman delves into the challenges and solutions around crafting summer schedules and mitigating mom guilt – common themes that resonate with many families as the school year concludes. Christine approaches these topics with the understanding that summer should be a time of fun and relaxation, yet the reality of ongoing responsibilities and work commitments still looms.

Christine outlines strategic methods for maintaining educational continuity for children during the summer, from setting up a structured daily routine to incorporating educational games and activities into leisure time. She emphasizes the importance of establishing expectations, solid communication with family members, and balancing work with quality family engagement. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode serves as a guide for parents navigating the summer season while juggling various roles and responsibilities.

Quotes from today’s episode:

• "We have decided that we are going to set aside at least 1 hour a day where they're going to focus on their skills, they're going to read and practice their math facts."
• "Of course I want to get outside and pretend like I don't have any responsibilities and lay by the pool all day and just have a great time."
• "Maybe some quiet time, after lunchtime or whatever time you are able to work the best.”
• "So enjoy the moments. Enjoy the time. You are amazing. Your kids are amazing. They love you. Your spouse loves you. Tell them once in a while, too how much you appreciate them for all that they do."
• "Why did I start a business? Because I wanted to be home with them. Because I wanted to teach them. I wanted to be their teacher. I wanted to connect with moms around the world and let them know that they're not alone."

Takeaways:

• Establishing a summer schedule within the family can help balance work, education, and leisure, keeping children's skills sharp while also allowing for necessary relaxation and playtime.
• Allocating specific times for essential daily activities, such as piano practice and reading, can provide structure and encourage ongoing learning throughout the summer months.
• Seeking help, such as a mother's helper or coordinating with neighbors for playdates, can alleviate the workload on parents and create opportunities for focused work time.
• Setting boundaries with family schedules and discussing summer goals leads to a more harmonious and fulfilling season for both parents and children.
• Self-care for parents is crucial – taking time to recharge and expressing gratitude for one's family can mitigate feelings of guilt and improve overall well-being.

Thanks for listening! Let’s get connected!

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