The kids are out of school but you are still in work.  Just when we start to think we have everything, or almost everything, under control we hit a speed bump in the road called “summer break”.  It took several months but I felt like I was handling the juggling of carpools, activities, play dates and work but then the school calendar came to an end.

It would be great to be able to say, “I’ll take my summer break too,” but in reality that is not an option for most of us.  Gone are the days of working for fun or doing what you love, for most us now work is a necessity that we can not take a summer break from.

Is there a guide somewhere to help us cope with finding an affordable and interesting place for our children to go while school is out for summer?   All I can say is plan ahead.  Start formulating a plan and begin with a budget when you start thinking about this.  Here are some options that my family has thought of to prepare for this summer daycare options.

Family

Think about family members that might already be staying home with kids or who have time off during the summer.  It never hurts to ask and although many of us are too proud to do so there are relatives out there that would love to spend time with your children that they might not normally get to.  Think of your children’s grandparents or aunts and uncles that might be options or even older cousins.

Neighbors or Friends

Think about your children’s friends or possible neighbors that can help during the summer.  You could trade off by watching their kids for a weekend away or date nights as needed.

Day Camp

Go to your local parenting magazine or park and recreational group.  There are many programs out there that are traditional summer camp themes or more specific like martial arts, soccer or drama camps.  These can be very popular so early registration is definitely recommended.

Daycare

If you have one child currently in daycare and one that is getting out of school, enrolling the older child in daycare might be a good option for you.  Many daycares are trying to offer summer programs for school age children to accommodate families.  Ask your daycare about summer field trips or activities and enrichment programs.

Combined Options

Selecting a few of each of the above could sound like a headache but you child would have different experiences and can also be a cost effective plan by mixing it up.

I have asked other moms during previous summer breaks how is it going and the common response is, “I can’t wait for school to start up again.”  Whatever option you decide, take a deep breath and know that summer will end as it also began and then school will start again.  Once fall arrives, the daily grind will start all over again with juggling school and work instead of summer break and work.