A working mom’s guide to a fruitful summer

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."– Proverbs 31:17-18

The kids are still out of school but you’re required to finish tons of paperwork or are due for a very important presentation. What are you to do when the kids cry out they’re bored? Well, as a working mom, by now you know that nothing beats good planning. For every journey you want to take with your children, much of the success lies in planning out the destination and requirements for such an event. This summer, for example, take time out to think about what you want to see happen in your children’s lives. Would you like them to develop in special areas that you know are of great interest to them? You will have progress if you come up with a clear picture of your plan.

There are countless things kids can get into these days. Numerous classes and camps are available for each age group. The things to consider are the following: proximity to your home or workplace (to make sure your children get to their classes regularly and on time), budget (because you still have to save for the coming schoolyear), your child’s interest (because you cannot force her to take acting lessons when what she wants is to learn fencing).

Whatever you wish for your child, I hope that you will strive to add variety and fun to make it a worthwhile endeavor for both of you. Every child needs to grow in the intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and emotional areas of their lives so consider these when planning out your strategies. Remember, it’s better to aim for something and not get it completely done rather than not to aim at anything and hit that target. Two months is no laughing matter especially when at the end of the day, you will find yourself with kids struggling to get their share of attention to fill their idle days and guess who they want to fill their emptiness – you!

"Lost time is never found again."–Benjamin Franklin

Here are some tips on how to help your children spend their summer vacation fruitfully:

• Discuss with your spouse a list of things your kids can get into. Try to see if this fits the current financial and physical capabilities of your family. Present it to your children to get their response. You will find that in some areas, they may have other suggestions. If so, respect them and try to meet halfway. Even your young ones may have valuable inputs to share.

• Decide with a clear mind and offer a simple prayer of trust that all will go well in the choices you have come up with.

• Before leaving for work, meet with the members of the family, including the househelp, about the schedules for the coming month and how these will affect the household. Schedule things to be done while the kids are out of the house like spring cleaning, repairs, etc.

• Talk to your kids about what to expect with their chosen activities and then make a daily update of their learning and other experiences to have a feel of what they’re into.

• Take time out to make surprise visits or pick them up to brighten their day.

• Talk with their instructors/caregivers about your child’s development or improvement to have an idea if that is within what you picture your child as accomplishing until school starts.

• Make sure you block off on your calendar the special presentation or graduation day and have a camera or video ready to make the important occasion a lasting memory.

• On weekends, have a "do nothing" day, when you’d just hang around the house and be available for a storytelling, baking or chatting session with your kids.

• Plan special outings to enjoy the beach or some exotic place you haven’t been to.

• Take time out to reflect about God’s grace and His provision for allowing you to experience a special summer (time for a retreat) over a candlelit dinner prepared by either one of you. Savor the moment. Enjoy!