| Are you finding it difficult keeping your toddler or | | | | something to look forward to, such as taking swimming |
| preschooler on a routine at home to avoid any possible | | | | lessons or creating a summer scrap book, is a great |
| behavior issues due to an outside career or other | | | | way to bridge the transition between the school year |
| obligations? Well, it doesn't have to be as stressful as it | | | | and carefree days of summer. Not only will it give you |
| may seem heading into the freedom of summer with | | | | both something fun to do together, but they will learn |
| your young ones. There are many easy ways to | | | | the meaning of accomplishing a goal and have |
| avoid behavior issues in your toddler or preschooler by | | | | something to develop a sense of independence and |
| setting up a summertime routine now that will work for | | | | self-confidence. |
| everyone. Here are some ideas to help you get | | | | Use existing routines to set up a workable summer |
| started with this. | | | | routine. If your child is already attending preschool or |
| Don't forget about your child's social routines. If your | | | | daycare, he or she has been on a routine all year. That |
| child has been attending a preschool or daycare all | | | | means it will be easier to set up a workable summer |
| year, then they've probably developed special friends | | | | routine that will be easy to adapt to. Check with your |
| that they spend time socializing with all day. That | | | | child's school to determine what that schedule has |
| means if they can't see these friends during the | | | | been like and then design one around that. Chances |
| summer months, they will miss them and probably be | | | | are that you will still be working throughout the summer |
| very upset by this. Ask your child's preschool for a | | | | months, so that will not disrupt your child's time at |
| sign-up sheet for any summer play-dates or leave a | | | | daycare. Try to stick with consistent times for meals, |
| notice up on the bulletin board at your child's school | | | | naps and activities. For example, if your child normally |
| with your contact information so other parents can get | | | | eats breakfast at 8 am, then you will want to plan your |
| in touch with you by the time the school year comes | | | | early morning meal for a time close to that in order to |
| to a conclusion. Make the summertime transition easier | | | | avoid a hungry and fussy child at 9 am. Follow the |
| for your child by honoring their little social life and | | | | meal with a short period of playtime and then a nap to |
| coordinating play dates with their school friends. This | | | | help your child get restorative rest and you a break. |
| will be a great way for your child to spend time playing | | | | By establishing some realistic routines now, you will get |
| with their friends as well as you networking and | | | | a jump start on the summertime with your toddler or |
| sharing ideas with other parents of similar interests. | | | | preschooler and reduce the chances that they will end |
| Start a simple summertime project. Giving your child | | | | up having behavior problems. |