Summer can mean increased work life challenges

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• Create a family calendar and post it where it can be easily seen. Include activities, holidays, camp or child care details, chores, celebrations and family projects.

• Make an abbreviated version of the calendar for your older relatives, so that they feel included in the summer planning.

• Add other special dates or plans that are important to your older relative(s).

• Involve the entire family in scheduling and sharing chores, so that home and outside activities or vacations are fun for everyone.

• Be realistic—don’t plan to spend weekends driving from one child’s activity to another, or doing chores. Scheduling time to relax is important too.

• Set a practical schedule that allows time for you and your partner or close friends to be alone.

• Ensure your summer schedule allows for “down time” when your children can just hang out at home and relax.

• Build exercise into your personal and family schedules. Jog, walk, bike, rollerblade or hike.
• To restore your physical and mental health, find time for relaxation and sleep.
• Curl up with a good book in the garden. It’s important to find time to stop and smell the roses!
• Resolve to make this the summer you all learn to eat a healthier diet.