Tips to Feel "Totally Taken Care of" This Summer

        Now I don't know about you but I was kind of stressed out about the kids getting out of school this summer.  It's almost a mixed feeling of joy, excitement, and fear.  While it means more time with the kids, less balancing study schedules, and no home work, it also brings on the chaos of having everyone home.  I'm completely aware that my household is no more hectic than the next and I wanted to share how we've planned out our schedule better to make sure we keep our family totally taken care of this Summer!

Here are a few tips we tried that I recommend:

Decide on Everyday Tasks/Chores - Be it the smallest chore or something detailed.  In my opinion, everyone over the age of 4 should have a specific task or chore.  This teaches responsibility and accountability.  Believe it or not this also helps build confidence in little ones as well as team working skills bonding each member of the family.  Pick age appropriate chores.

Make a Daily Schedule - BUT be flexible, remember that even the most organized person with the least chaos has schedule changes.  Making a daily schedule will help keep you on track and help give you ideas of what needs to be done.  Don't forget to include things like showers and using Listerine Total Care like we do.  Oral care is an every day thing in our house and the kids shower schedule is an every other day task.

Make a Calendar - Whether it is on your smart phone, on a dry erase board (like we used), or a good old fashioned hanging calendar.  Record all important dates, events, sports schedules, work schedules, etc.  Even assign/mention who is responsible for driving or attending those events.  Believe me it will make it easier when the event or task comes time.

Entertainment and Education - Prepare a list of activities kids can do over the summer.  These can range from "I'm bored" activities to science experiments to outdoor play and so on.  We decided to write our "I'm bored" activities on Popsicle sticks by color coding them each depending on if they are a group activity or something flying solo.  We have a huge wish list that we are hoping to check off throughout the Summer.  There are also stacks of activity sheets I found cheap from one of the Learning stores nearby to keep the kids brains active and growing.  We have educational contests frequently to keep the kids learning while having fun too!  The subjects can include subjects like building, drawing, adding, spelling, or oral health

Special Rewards, Family Time, and Celebrations - Reward the family and do it frequently!  When someone remembers to rinse with Listerine, they get a reward the next morning.  When the kids get an A+ at the Dentist or Doctor, they get something special as well for keeping up their daily health routines.  We reward the kids in different ways for completing all their chores and even daily tasks.  Schedule in a specific family game night or nightly walk to reward everyone for making it through the day and week.  We take a walk each night to wind down as a family and have family game night every Sunday night (and every other free night we can possibly find.

        During these chaotic times, I am glad there are brands I know I can count on when it comes to my health and the health of my family.  Not only is Listerine one of those brands but they are a brand which my family loves using.  While we are on the go constantly, I know I can count on finding everything we need at Walgreens.  We love being able to find our favorite Listerine products and other necessities there no matter where we are.  Listerine has definitely got our family totally taken care of this Summer!

Disclosure: “I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson and Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® Brand Totally Taken Care Of program. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.”
*Read my Disclosure