• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Townsend House

Cultivate Simplicity in your Home and Homeschool

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Video
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact

TH

My Strategy for the Best Summer Ever

There are affiliate links in this post.  That means if you click on one of these links, and make a subsequent purchase, I may receive a small commission.  Thank you for supporting Townsend House.

When you think about your summers growing up, what do you
think of?  What about today?  How do you plan to make this summer your Best
Summer Ever?
The long lazy days of summer, those are what I wished for
growing up.  I knew that I wouldn’t have
any school responsibilities, I would go to camp and see my friends, my family
would spend weekends at the lake water-skiing and swimming, and having such an
amazing time.
As an adult with three little children, I still look forward
to those summer days, but they are not long, nor are they lazy – at least not
for me!  But, I do want to provide that
same atmosphere for my kids.

My Strategy for the Best Summer Ever


Homeschooling plays a significant role in our summer plans,
but even though we tend to do school on the hottest days of the summer, that
does not mean that we are inside all day every day. 
Summer is a time when our normal routine and rhythm make
their way out the window, and we have a lot more freedom in our days. 
But, how do you make sure that you are able to have a
relaxing and fun time when you have children with you all day every day?
This is where my summer Power Sheets come into play.
Last year I was lucky enough to order Lara Casey’s 2017
Power Sheets Goal Planner early enough to receive all twelve months, but I know
that a lot of my readers did not order in time and she sold out – she always
sells out quickly.  But, right now she
does have 6 month Power Sheets available, so if you were thinking about getting
them, you definitely should.
Last Wednesday when I talked about
margin, and making sure I have margin in my days and weeks, I said that I was
going to deliver some tools in order to help you.  These are those tools. 
Goals always were something that I thought of as a New
Year’s activity, but throughout this year I realized that is not true.  We can’t just set all of our goals at the
beginning of the year, even if they are SMART goals.  We need to continuously revisit them month
after month, and that is what I am working on now.
We are shifting gears in our homeschool, moving to our
“summer schedule” where it is a lot more interest-led, and a lot less
seatwork.  But, I am not only planning
our summer school schedule I am planning the rhythm that I want to have
throughout the summer, and as an extension of that, the rhythm my kids will
have as well.
Taking the time to write down what you want your summer to
look like will keep it fresh in your mind. 
It will allow you to say no to the activities that will not necessarily
benefit your family, or may hold you back from something that you really want
to do.
When I see parents plan every bit of the summer, I feel for
them.  I know that it is important for
kids to still have a routine – they do thrive in routine after all – but
allowing them some freedom to explore, to be outside, to be bored, those are
things that children seem to be missing out on in today’s society.
Now, if you want to have your child involved in a lot of
activities, I get that, it certainly helps with sanity, but perhaps allowing
for a Sabbath rest one day a week, where you are able to get out in nature and
observe God’s creation.  Take that time
for you to slow down as well. 
I have seen a lot of people that make a bucket list for
their summer – if that is something you like to do, definitely go for it.  However, make sure that when you make that
bucket list you don’t put so many items on the list that you may not be able to
finish it.  There is nothing worse than
having a wrench thrown into your plans, and I definitely ere on the side of
less is more.
Practicing mindfulness while including margin in my calendar
is what my family will be working on this summer.  It is something that will help me to cultivate
the simplicity I desire in my home, and hopefully give my children the same
love of the long, lazy days of summer that I remember having when I was growing
up.

If you are looking for further reading – a book that I really love to recommend when talking about slowing down and savoring life with your kids is Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne.  


What are some of the
goals that you have for your family this summer?

You may also enjoy:

  • Family Management – How to get everyone on the Same PageFamily Management – How to get everyone on the Same Page
  • {31 Days} When You Just Need a Break!{31 Days} When You Just Need a Break!
  • National Learn to Swim DayNational Learn to Swim Day
  • 31 Days – 168 Hours31 Days – 168 Hours
Share
Pin
Tweet

49 Comments

Are you ready to cultivate simplicity in your home and homeschool?

Start with my easy guide to organize your homeschool curriculum.

Previous Post: « Margin – Revisiting my Word of the Year
Next Post: How to use Technology to Keep your Home Safe and Secure this Summer »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Katriza Luna says

    May 27, 2017 at 1:33 am

    This sounds like something I could get into! I need a new book to read! Sounds like a great plan to me!

    Reply
  2. angela milnes says

    May 26, 2017 at 1:27 am

    This is really sounds like a great read and I enjoy reading this and I love to plan for summer I can't believe time flies so fast

    Reply
  3. Cynthia Nicoletti says

    May 25, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    Sounds like a great book. When my children we younger we would just plan each day as it came. Easy, simple we just decided each day what we wanted to do.

    Reply
  4. Angela Bethea says

    May 25, 2017 at 10:26 am

    I will definitely check out this book. One of my favorite season is Summer. I can't wait to enjoy outdoors activities and swimming with my family.

    Reply
  5. Jennifer L. says

    May 25, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Wow this is fantastic! It's been a while since I've actually carved time to practice mindfulness and I know I should. Thanks for the push!

    Reply
  6. Carol Cassara says

    May 25, 2017 at 5:20 am

    This makes a lot of sense. I think it's really awesome that we plan activities for the kids but also give them the time to explore, it's summer after all and the weather is perfect.

    Reply
  7. Rachel Catherine says

    May 25, 2017 at 2:35 am

    This sounds like a great book and I need to get it. I can't wait for this summer with my kids.

    Reply
  8. Heather Riccobono says

    May 25, 2017 at 12:41 am

    Growing up my family took one big vacation in the summer. It was usually to Disneyland or Mexico. For my daughters we go to a favorite small beach town in California every year for the Fourth of July and they love it!

    Reply
  9. CourtneyLynne says

    May 24, 2017 at 11:33 pm

    Oooo now this sounds like one great way to get those summer plans made!!! I still need to sit down and nap out my summer

    Reply
    • CourtneyLynne says

      May 24, 2017 at 11:33 pm

      Map***

      Reply
  10. Brittany Muddamalle says

    May 24, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    I still can't believe the summer is almost here! Our weather is already getting warm and my kids can't wait to go swimming!

    Reply
  11. The Belly Rules The Mind says

    May 24, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    This is a very good idea. Planning definitely helps and eases out the anxiety a little bit. I plan my day but most of the times I land up not achieving everything i'd like to.

    Reply
  12. Rosey says

    May 24, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Since I have just moved to a new area I have a lot I really want to do. I do not know if I can do it all this summer but will choose a few I really want to do.

    Reply
  13. Lady Chi says

    May 24, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    I am so poor on planning for anything so you can imagine me planning for the summer. All I know is I just want to RELAX :). But yes, planning is important and it helps you get things done.As a matter of fact, I am getting a notepad and pen right now….

    Reply
  14. Latasha Peterson says

    May 24, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    I can't wait for SUMMER and my main goal is to take a vacation since I have been working a lot this winter & spring! 🙂 I also want to home school my son and my future children when they are of age.

    Reply
  15. Dawn McAlexander says

    May 24, 2017 at 4:45 am

    I honestly think that there is a lot to learn in the great outdoors and kids can still get an education while still having some fun. I think that taking your kids outside during the summer isn't just giving them a break, it is helping them learn.

    Reply
  16. meganschaus says

    May 24, 2017 at 3:53 am

    I also have three kids, all boys at that! This is a great read and gave me some ideas I'd like to try.

    Reply
  17. Tough Cookie Mommy says

    May 24, 2017 at 2:37 am

    I think having a goal planner to set short term and long term goals is a great idea. It keeps you accountable and focused on what you want to accomplish.

    Reply
  18. Donah @ SJB says

    May 24, 2017 at 12:56 am

    Our goals would be having a one week vacation, going somewhere where we could be one with nature, but it should also be child-friendly where my child could play with other kids! It is also kinda simple yet refreshing!

    Reply
  19. Amber N says

    May 24, 2017 at 12:38 am

    Practicing mindfulness is something that I am working on. It is so hard sometimes when we are always planning on what we are doing for the next day, the next week, the next month. But, I am working on it! Time goes by too fast not to.

    Reply
  20. Charlotte TheMummyToolbox says

    May 23, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    our goals for this summer are expanding the family :p I am due mid July and then we will have the whole summer to get aquainted!

    Reply
  21. Stella Olojola says

    May 23, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    I am working on being active with the kids this summer. I have a few plans already for us.

    Reply
  22. Elizabeth O. says

    May 23, 2017 at 5:43 pm

    It's nice to have a set of plans on how you want your summer to be. It's definitely going to keep you on track when it comes to having a great summer! I think you have an awesome strategy.

    Reply
  23. Susan Evans says

    May 23, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    I like to provide a lot of down time for my kids in the summer so that their creativity can thrive.

    Reply
  24. Cindy Ingalls says

    May 23, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    My goals for summer are to enjoy every day without trying to cram too much into every day. I also want encourage my family to read more and not just binge watch the best new show on netflix.

    Reply
  25. M. Akamatra says

    May 23, 2017 at 8:23 am

    I have to admit I am more spontaneous than that but I can definitely understand with when having three kids!

    Reply
  26. Ophelia Tang says

    May 23, 2017 at 5:41 am

    Summer is awesome! Your post gives me great ideas for my younger siblings. Thanks for sharing.
    XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger

    Reply
  27. Ravi says

    May 23, 2017 at 4:05 am

    That reminds me of "Seven Habits by Stephen Covey". It's important to set priorities and follow a routine.

    Reply
  28. Journa Ramirez says

    May 23, 2017 at 3:39 am

    Summer is my favorite season! Your idea is great and I want to apply this strategy. Too bad, summer is almost over here in the Philippines!

    Reply
  29. Daniella Flores says

    May 23, 2017 at 3:04 am

    I need to start practicing mindfulness again. I have fallen behind on my zen routine. I am however camping this weekend with a mini road trip so I am excited.

    Reply
  30. Claudia Krusch says

    May 23, 2017 at 2:35 am

    My Son and I are planning on a few road trips this summer. He is almost done High School and will be off to College soon.

    Reply
  31. Anosa says

    May 23, 2017 at 2:21 am

    Summer is my favorite season. I'd love to spend it with family and friends and also have a me-time too. Nice ideas too.

    Reply
  32. Channelling Dolly says

    May 23, 2017 at 12:35 am

    I can imagine as a parent it is so hard to fill in those summer days! You have great ideas though to make it work!

    Reply
  33. Phoenix Mom Blog says

    May 22, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    I think it's so important for kids to continue to learn through the summer. The method may be different than sitting at a desk but it's still important!

    Reply
  34. Marcie Cheung says

    May 22, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    I'm trying to create those long, lazy days of summer, but I'm EXHAUSTED! I should slow our pace and stop scheduling stuff. That's my downfall!

    Reply
  35. Cassie Spanner says

    May 22, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    I so agree with you about the need to continuously set goals and make them SMART. Just saying you want something doesn't make it so unfortunately! You have to plot some steps out to achieve!

    Reply
  36. Corinne & Kirsty says

    May 22, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    It is just going to be me this summer. I'll be visiting my boyfriend some weekends but otherwise, me-time as much as I want. SO i'll be reading a lot, relaxing and exploring my city! xx corinne

    Reply
  37. AiringMyLaundry says

    May 22, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    I need to check this book out. We're pretty lax over the summer. We sleep in, sometimes we do stuff, sometimes we don't.

    Reply
  38. ana de jesus says

    May 22, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    I would like the chance to practice more mindfulness and like you said having one un-structured day is a great way of creating a good summer schedule. Good food for thought x

    Reply
  39. Janel B says

    May 22, 2017 at 4:10 pm

    When I was a kid I still love some of it vacation because it meant that I didn't have to get up early and get to school. Now as an adult I love it because I don't have to get up early and drive my kid to school .

    Reply
  40. Jessica Taylor says

    May 22, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Last year I made a bucket list and completed MAYBE three things. It was discouraging. This year i'm just going with the flow!

    Reply
  41. The Headcase Christian says

    May 22, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    I love this idea and will have to implement it. We seem to going to extremes here – either a completely wasted day or a day filled with so much that were completely worn out.

    Reply
  42. Glam Karen says

    May 22, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    Such a clever (and efficient) way to get your summer plans and goals in order! I do not have power sheets but am going to check them out because I think it would be welcomed in my life!

    Reply
  43. Jay Colby says

    May 22, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I love this article and timely for me. I'm trying to make this summer great!

    Reply
  44. Sona Sethi says

    May 22, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Its very important to regroup as family for some really fun things..it builds bond and helps to cherish moments!

    Reply
  45. Kaylee says

    May 22, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    I love the idea of the power sheets. I am someone who has made that summer bucket list in the past and didn't have enough time to get to everything on it.

    Reply
  46. jessi says

    May 22, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    I love this because It always feels like you don't want to plan too much for the summer. you want it to be fun and not overwhelming. We like to do one vacation and then wing it the rest of the summer.

    Reply
  47. Karyn Locke says

    May 22, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    Ok, I really like this idea. Sometimes it's really easy to lose focus on what's important. Thank you.

    Reply
  48. Masshole Mommy says

    May 22, 2017 at 11:50 am

    That sounds like a great read. I feel like I miss a lot of the little moments with my kids, so I need to be more mindful of that.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Are you ready to cultivate simplicity in your home and homeschool?

Start with my easy guide to organize your homeschool curriculum.

Currently Reading



Latest on Instagram

townsendhouse1

Heather @ Townsend House
My Brave Writer choices for 2022-2023! You can fin My Brave Writer choices for 2022-2023! You can find the video and how I combine Brave Writer with our other language arts curriculum at the link in my profile.

#bravewriter #bravelearner #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolmiddleschool #homeschoolmom #homeschoolcurriculum
A walk through my flower gardens! They need a ser A walk through my flower gardens!  They need a serious weeding, but the flowers are pretty 😊

#garden #flowers #flowersmakemehappy #garden2022 #2022garden
I have my 7th grade homeschool curriculum choices I have my 7th grade homeschool curriculum choices up! You can see them at the link in my profile.

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolcurriculum #mainestudies #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool 
 #wildandfreechildren #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
I can't wait to hear how the dance was for these b I can't wait to hear how the dance was for these beauties!
When I was choosing curriculum for this coming yea When I was choosing curriculum for this coming year I thought I was totally on top of things, just to realize when I was laying everything out that I totally forgot to get science for my 7th grader. 🤦🏼‍♀️

We chatted a bit about what he wanted to do, and what he decidedly DID NOT want to do, and we came up with the #scienceunlocked kits from @homesciencetools 

I am sharing an unboxing of the four kits we chose as well as my first thoughts. 
You can find the video at the link in my profile.

I think that it is going to be a great science year for him! 

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolscience #homeschoolmiddleschool #projectbasedhomeschooling #interestledlearning #homeschoolmom #homeschoolcurriculum
I'm starting to share my 2022-2023 Homeschool Curr I'm starting to share my 2022-2023 Homeschool Curriculum picks. First up, my 9th grader! You can find out what we are using by clicking the link in my profile.

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #sonlight230 #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolinghighschool #highschoolcurriculum #curriculum #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
#sponsored @kiwico_inc crates are a great way to i #sponsored @kiwico_inc crates are a great way to integrate interest-led learning in your homeschool. Find out how we use them at the link in my profile!

#kiwico #steam #stem #homeschool #homeschooling #interestledlearning
Jack and I have a lot of planting in our future! T Jack and I have a lot of planting in our future! This doesn't even include all of the seeds we have...Why is it so hard to say no to lots of plants?  Also, not entirely sure where we will put it all 🤣

#growyourown #localfood #slowfood #homesteading #homesteadhomeschooling #homeschool #homeschooling #garden #gardening #2022garden
My irises are showing up! White lilacs are also bl My irises are showing up! White lilacs are also blooming 🥰

#garden #2022garden #flowers #flowersmakemehappy
I am super excited to share the new Erin Condren T I am super excited to share the new Erin Condren Teacher Planners with you guys! I have been using the coiled teacher planner since 2015 and it is super functional for me. If you are interested in seeing the new planners that go on sale next week, you can find my videos at the link in my profile!

#ecsquad #erincondren #ectlp #ectp #homeschool #homeschoolplanner #homeschooling #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolmom #plannercommunity #teacherplanner
#ad 5 reasons we are STILL using @teachingtextbook #ad 5 reasons we are STILL using @teachingtextbooks for our homeschool math - it might not be why you think!
Find the video here - https://youtu.be/Q03_6jtpxa4
Find the corresponding blog post here - https://www.townsend-house.com/teaching-textbooks-6/
Get your FREE TRIAL here - https://u.teachingtextbooks.com/Free_Trial_HL41422

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmath #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolingteens #homeschoolcurriculum #math #mathcurriculum #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool
I have a preview of the new @erincondren life plan I have a preview of the new @erincondren life planners that are coming out on 4/25 for EC Insiders and 4/26 for the general launch! You can find links to all three of my videos in the link in my profile. If you have questions, let me know!

#ecsquad #homeschool #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolmom #ECInsider #ECLP #ecdailyduo 
#ecplanner
#ecplannerlove #plannerbabe #plannergirl #erincondrenlifeplanner 
#planneraddict #plannercommunity #plannerlove #weloveec #weloveecweekly
#plannersofIG #plannersofinstagram
#wildforec #Lovemyplanner #plannerinspiration
I haven't been out in my garden since last fall. I haven't been out in my garden since last fall.  I am so pleased to see all of my garlic coming up!  Next up, planting peas 😊

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homesteadjourneys #homesteading #growyourown #localfood #garlic
It's a #homemadebagels kind of day! #yum wish they It's a #homemadebagels kind of day! #yum wish they would last longer than a day 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

#food #fromscratch #baking #bread #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoolmom
It's always nice when a.) your child chooses a res It's always nice when a.) your child chooses a research project topic you yourself love, and b.) she can do most of the research by looking on our own bookshelves 😊🤷🏼‍♀️

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolprojects #chickens #homesteading #localfood #localliving #greenliving #bravelearner #projectbasedlearning
We are nearing the end of our homeschool year! So, We are nearing the end of our homeschool year! So, my planning day for March focused on making sure I know everything we need to finish up to be DONE! You can find my video to my planning day at the link in my description! How is your homeschool year going?

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #erincondren #ECSquad #planningday #sonlight #sonlightJ #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolmiddleschool #homeschoolelementaryschool #homeschoolmomlife
I have a full walkthrough of the new @sonlightcurr I have a full walkthrough of the new @sonlightcurriculum #homeschoolplanner up on my YouTube channel. You can find the video at the link in my profile.

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool #charlottemason #interestled
I got a lot of new @sonlightcurriculum books this I got a lot of new @sonlightcurriculum books this past weekend! So fun to go through a lot of new books and resources we will be using for next year. You can see the unboxing at the link in my profile!

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #sonlight300 #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolhighschool #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
Just pulled the rest of our books (minus Lucy's bo Just pulled the rest of our books (minus Lucy's books) for the rest of the semester! I'm excited to finish strong 😊

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #sonlightJ #historyofscience #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #wildandfreechildren #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
What I am #reading on this snowy afternoon! #home What I am #reading on this snowy afternoon!

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolhighschool #homeschooltranscripts #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #bookstagram #books #readersofinstagram
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

what can i help you find?

Are you ready to cultivate simplicity in your home and homeschool?
Start with my easy guide to organize your homeschool curriculum.

  • About
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Contact
  • Index

Copyright © 2022 · Heather · Townsend House · All Rights Reserved

Share
Pin
Tweet