The first of our nine week summer has gotten off to a smashingly successful start! We’ve had a little rain, but mostly sunny skies and even better dispositions in our nest. Summer is a warm and familiar feeling for us. However, this one is a bit different. My once boisterous toddlers are now tweens and resting a bit longer in the mornings. The once confident interest in our summer standards have wained in search of new heights. The projects and events that have had a stronghold on their hearts giving way to new visions and elevated plans.
The reality is we’ve all grown. As with any growth, change is necessary. We've all had to shift and adjust. One thing that remains is our coveted Summer Contract. Since the kids were elementary school aged I’ve crafted a contract every summer for their review. The anticipation starts within the last two weeks of school. We typically ease into summer, holding our summer meeting on the first day. The contracts have changed over the years, a gorgeous collection of maturing signatures. Complete with snack and open minds, we dig right in.
While the environment was fun-filled, the intention behind it was deliberate and intentional. These contracts serve as a continuous life lesson. During a lifetime we enter into countless contracts. Ranging from gym memberships, to marriages, to bank accounts, to credit applications, contracts are unconscious mainstays in our lives. These summer contracts are designed to make for a smoother time together. However, it is also a concentrated effort in training them to read terms and conditions with laser vision.
My children have never been fans of camps. I can count on one hand the number of camps they've actually enjoyed and wanted to return to. Early on, this would push my anxiety levels off the scales. How would I fill our days while avoiding the electronics vortex? How could I keep their minds fresh and ready to build upon the work from the previous school year? How could I make all of this fun and inexpensive?
Over the years we’ve developed a rhythm that incorporated an 80% fun and 20% work split. Our golden rule is that in all things we “do what we HAVE to do, to do what we WANT to do.” What we have to do is read, keep progressing in math and sciences, and keep our living spaces and bodies clean. What we want to do is go on outings that feed our cravings for new adventures, spend quality time with each other and friends, and continue to develop our creative gifts and talents. We also need good downtime. Because what is summer without lazy moments?
So summer seventeen has gotten off to a fantastic start with no end in sight. Thank goodness. We live for this time of the year. If interested in presenting a summer contract to your lovely littles, here’s the approach I’ve taken:
Lead with fun - Any contract is more appeasing when presented with the benefits first. My kids love to hear what’s on the horizon! It makes them overly compliant with the terms and conditions.
Be very clear - We have a general schedule that we follow on summer days. Now that the kids are older, they still have activities that they are committed to, which means less free time. The contract is clear on which fun activities are designated for what days. These activities are strategically planned around the preset commitments. This combats over scheduling for us.
Terms and Conditions - This is the most integral part of our contract. The terms and conditions section truly sets the tone for our summer. It tells them exactly what is expected of them, when it is expected, the manner it is expected in and the consequences for non compliance. For example, with each task that is completed they earn an hour of electronic access. The access is as much a priority for them as maintaining a clean home is for me. It’s a win/win situation with lasting effects for them.
Language Matters - Let the language of the contract be simple enough to grasp but challenging enough to teach. We use the meeting to read through the contract and answer any questions or concern. It is a great time to introduce new concepts. They are more apt to grasp and retain the meanings as it pertains to their fun.
Make all things equal - The fun must inspire the work. If they weren't excited about our "Trip + Try It Tuesdays," tackling morning math would be more of a drag. This way they are all but happy to complete the work. The fun always outweighs anything I could ask of them in their heads. Summer work makes for an easier school year when concepts have been previously introduced. See? All things work in chorus.
We realize that these summers together are fleeting and invaluable so it's best to spend the time we have wisely. Our Summer Contract all but ensures smooth and fun filled weeks barring the occasional hiccups. It is great for all ages and weekends as well. Summer Contracts will hopefully rest happily in their consciousnesses forever. A lasting reflection of life. Smart and pointed terms and conditions that yield all the fun you desire.
