It can be tempting to let the kids stay up or sleep in later once the school year ends, and as they get older they almost expect that. It might even seem easier for you to, especially in the morning, to have a little extra quiet time while they sleep. Try to meet these expectations and wants half-way. Push the times back an hour, maybe an hour and a half if you want to try, but the bigger the change, the more chance you will have at experiencing unregulated emotions and behaviors. As much as it seems kids do not like structure, it really does help them to think more clearly and understand their emotions better, just as it does for us as we continue to grow as adults.

Start up a long term responsibility with your kiddos as we enter this more unstructured time of year so they have something to regularly work on as school ends and summer arrives. One of my favorite ways to do this is with soil and seeds. Wether it’s pots on their windowsill or a little garden in the yard, this works for all home environments. You can help them grow grasses, flowers, or even food, that they can tend to, watch grow, and incorporate into crafts or cooking as the season progresses.