Why Planning Ahead Can Help You Have Your Best Summer Yet with Your Kids

Summer is full of possibility — long days, warm weather, fewer school obligations, and the chance to slow down and make memories. But without a plan, those open days can quickly turn into a chaotic blur of whining, screen time battles, and "I'm bored!" on repeat.

The truth is, a little bit of advance planning can make a huge difference in helping you create a summer that feels fun, connected, and balanced — not stressful or overwhelming.

Here’s why planning ahead is a game-changer, and how to get started.

1. Structure Creates Calm

Kids thrive on predictability — even during the summer. When the school year ends, they’re used to routines: what time to wake up, when meals happen, what the day looks like. When that structure disappears overnight, it can leave them feeling unsettled — which often shows up as crankiness, defiance, or endless requests for screens.

Creating a flexible summer routine helps everyone feel more grounded. You don’t need to schedule every minute of the day — even loose blocks of time (like “outside play,” “reading,” or “quiet time”) can give your child a sense of safety and flow.

2. You’ll Feel Less Stressed and More Present

When you’re trying to make plans on the fly or deal with last-minute complaints, it’s easy to end up in survival mode. But when you’ve thought through your week or day ahead of time, you can parent more intentionally and with less stress.

Even small actions — like prepping a snack basket for the week, scheduling one fun outing, or writing down daily ideas for independent play — can lighten your mental load.

Planning also helps you avoid the guilt trap: “We should be doing something fun,” or “I should be more present.” When you’ve already made thoughtful decisions ahead of time, it’s easier to let go of the pressure and just enjoy the moment.

3. It Prevents the Boredom Meltdowns

We want kids to have free time and space to be creative — but they often need help learning how to use it. When there’s no plan at all, kids are more likely to turn to screens or rely on you to entertain them.

Instead, try working with your child at the beginning of the week to come up with a “summer fun list” — activities they can do alone, with friends, or with the whole family. Hang it on the fridge, and when the inevitable “I’m bored” strikes, you can point them to their own ideas.

4. You Can Be Intentional About What Matters Most

If you’re not careful, summer can slip away in a blur of errands, TV shows, and trying to keep up with everyone else’s plans.

When you pause to plan ahead — even just 15 minutes a week — you can be more intentional about how you spend your time. You can prioritize family connection, rest, outdoor play, or anything else that matters most to you.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of memories do I want to make this summer?
  
  
• How do I want our days to feel?
  
  
• What’s one thing I want to do each week that fills my cup?
  
  

These questions help you craft a summer that aligns with your values — not just one you’re trying to “get through.”

5. It Helps Fill Your Child’s Buckets in Healthy Ways

Children have core needs for attention, connection, movement, autonomy, and rest. When these needs go unmet, they often show up in the form of tough behavior.

A little bit of thoughtful planning helps you make sure those needs are getting met. When you build your days with things like:

• 1-on-1 time with a parent
  
  
• Time outside or active play
  
  
• Opportunities to make choices and be helpful
  
  
• Quiet time to rest or decompress
  
  

…you’re proactively helping your child feel more emotionally regulated, cooperative, and content.

Getting Started: Simple Planning Ideas

Planning doesn’t have to be complicated or Pinterest-worthy. Here are a few ways to start:

• Weekly family meeting: Let your kids help brainstorm activities and routines.
  
  
• Theme days: For example, “Make-It Monday” (craft day), “Water Wednesday,” “Fun Friday.”
  
  
• Bucket list: Create a list of summer goals or experiences you want to do together.
  
  
• Visual schedule: Post a simple daily routine where your child can see what to expect.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be a free-for-all or a rigid schedule. With just a little planning, you can create a season full of joy, connection, and calm — for both your kids and yourself.

Advance planning helps you be the kind of parent you want to be, and helps your kids feel safe, seen, and supported.

To help you plan a great summer with your kids, I’ve developed a Summer Planning Kit for Families!  Use it to create a balanced and calm summer full of fun and connection.  Click here to grab your copy today!