Summertime with our kids

Well, we have reached the peak of summer during a pandemic. I feel like my boys and I had just gotten used to the structure we had created with homeschool. However, now that school is “out” and this strange summer has begun, I feel myself pivoting once again. ​

I want to make sure that my boys still have a fun summer despite the looming problems of staying physically and mentally healthy during the second peak of the virus. 
 
I know that I am not the only one facing this problem. Summer is supposed to be a time where our kids can run free and have fun with friends and summer sports. Instead, as parents, we feel the need to keep our kids’ exposures limited so they won’t risk spreading or catching Covid-19. 
 
I have made a list of worries we as moms will potentially face at the start of this weird summer, and how I plan to tackle them and still enjoy the summer with my kids: 
 

• Kids getting a good night's sleep: Now that their schedule is different and there is no specific time to wake up in the mornings, I am concerned that my boys will get their sleep schedules mixed up by staying up way too late at night. To solve this problem, I require them to bring their electronics downstairs by midnight. I believe that too many kids stay on their phones too late. The blue light from these devices can mess up their sleep cycle-not to mention all their friends snap chatting them all night long. If they take some time away from electronics before bed, I believe they can achieve a better sleep schedule. 

 

• Eating well during the summer: It can be easy to get off an eating schedule during the summer. So I do what I can to help my boys maintain a regular, well-balanced diet. For breakfast, I will usually make them a smoothie for breakfast. I also make sure there are healthy options around the house. My favorite breakfast options are my homemade muffins, protein waffles, whole grain bread with all-natural peanut butter, or an egg sandwich. For lunch and dinner, I am usually home. This is important to me because my boys and I can enjoy some daily and uninterrupted family time. I also try to cook all of our meals and limit most restaurant food. Scroll to the end of this post to see my recipes and links to my favorite products!  

 

• Encouraging activity: Every day we try to get outside for some fun and activity such as playing with friends outside. This can be really challenging with computer games being what they are these days. I am happy they have video games during the epidemic because they are a way that the boys are able to communicate with their friends safely. However, nothing compares to playing outside during the summer. Therefore, every day we try to accomplish getting outside. They love to play with friends (if it is safe), swim, and continue to work on sports that they are involved in during the school year--baseball and basketball. 

 

• Being mindful of our kids’ disposition: Summer obviously allows more time for freedom. This can get us out of our habits/schedules. This makes summer both a good and bad thing. On one hand, our kids get much-deserved relaxation. On the other hand, getting out of habits and systems can lead to a feeling of floundering. Because of this, my boys' emotional and mental health is at the top of my mind during the summer. This is especially important to me during all the uncertainties of COVID! I always make sure to check in on how they are doing and make sure they are talking about their feelings. 

 

• Reading: Well… I need to do better on this one. However, I think it is important to try to encourage reading so my boys can keep their brains working during the summer. I don’t want them to go numb and feel overwhelmed at the start of school! 

 
This year’s summer will be a new obstacle for all of us. It is tough to venture into unknown territory. However, one thing we can be sure about is that we are blessed with more time with our kids. Whenever I am stressed about our worldly situation, I can always find peace in the thought that I have my family. Together, we can overcome any new obstacle!



Protein Smoothies: 

• Water
• Organic almond milk
• Organic nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
• 2 handfuls organic raw spinach
• Organic blueberries
• Organic banana
• Q Sciences protein (chocolate or vanilla) 

Protein Waffles

Healthy Carrot Muffins

• 3/4c Flour
  
• 1/2c Whole wheat flour
  
• 2/3c Brown sugar
  
• 2 Tbsp. Ground flaxseed
  
• 2 Tsp. Ground cinnamon
  
• 1 Tsp. Baking powder
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• 2 Large eggs
  
• 1/3c Vegetable oil
  
• 1 Tbsp. Vanilla
  
• 4 Medium carrots, grated
  
• 1/2c Apple sauce
  

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Instructions: 
Stir in 1 bowl dry ingredients and another wet ingredients. Fold wet into dry. Stir in carrots and apple sauce. Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit. 

Beef Trifini: