If you're a parent of young children, you might find that summer break feels a little less like a break and a little more like juggling popsicles and wet pool towels while answering emails. Between shifting routines, finding reliable childcare and trying to soak up quality family time (without sacrificing your sanity), summer can throw off everyone’s rhythm.

At The Goddard School^®, we’re here to help! Whether you're looking for a little structure or simply want to make your days feel a bit more predictable, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into why building a summer schedule is a game-changer for both kids and grown-ups.
 

Why Summer Schedules Matter for Working Parents

Predictability is one of the most powerful tools we can offer children. Kids thrive when they know what’s coming next. Routines help them feel safe, secure and in control of their day even if they’re not the ones setting the agenda. Without the familiar structure of preschool, some children may feel unsettled, leading to more meltdowns, resistance or restlessness.

A summer schedule doesn’t have to be rigid. It can be flexible, playful and change from day to day. What matters most is consistency in the rhythm. For example, your child might know that every morning starts with breakfast and playtime, followed by a quiet activity or an outing. These predictable patterns help reduce anxiety, increase cooperation and promote independence.

Plus, predictability is essential for parents, too. If you’re working from home or juggling multiple responsibilities, a reliable routine can reduce interruptions and help your days run more smoothly.
 

Tips for Managing Summer Schedules

Try these tips to create a summer schedule that works for your family:

• Plan ahead. Create a summer calendar with key dates and events. Simple drawings, pictures or color coding will help your child read the calendar themselves and reference it independently. At the start of each week, take a few moments to sit down together as a family and go over the week's plan. This is a great time to add any events that have come up over the past week, find time to squeeze in a trip to the playground and hammer out any scheduling conflicts. Knowing what's going on during each week can help you anticipate changes to your daily summer schedule.
• Establish consistent routines. Creating a daily routine that carries you from morning until bedtime can help your kids feel secure. There's no perfect summer schedule that works for every child, and asking for their input can help determine what type of schedule might work best for your family. With younger children, watch for cues for activity level needs and how best to transition between activities. Your work schedule, childcare arrangements and your child's interests can all play a role in the creation of a reliable daily routine.
• Balance work and family time. Creating clear boundaries between work and family time can help you, your partner and your children make the most of the time that you have together. This can be especially important if you work from home because it’s tough for little ones to understand when you're on and off the clock. Letting them know when you're working helps them understand what to expect throughout the day. Make sure you put your phone or computer away during family time to remain fully engaged with your loved ones.
• Consider summer camps or programs. Enrolling your child in a summer camp or program at The Goddard School provides them with the consistent, engaging, fun support that they need and prepares them for the coming school year. Reach out to your local Goddard School to learn more about summer camp options for your child's age.

While summer may not come with a syllabus, a little planning can go a long way. With some simple routines, a splash of structure and flexibility, your family can find a rhythm that works — one that keeps your child feeling confident, your workdays a little more peaceful and your evenings full of memories and fewer meltdowns.

And if you're looking for a helping hand, The Goddard School’s summer programs offer the perfect blend of fun, learning and predictability so your child can explore, play and learn all season long and you can finally drink your coffee while it’s still warm.