Written By:
Amanda Marksmeier
Make Time to Make Memories
Think about your favorite summer memory, what was so special about it? Memories are created not because of the things involved, they are made because of the people you shared them with. Making memories is about making the most of the time you have. Take advantage of the longer days by unwinding after work with your kids, blow bubbles, create sidewalk drawings, or pull out the slip-n-slide and show them how fast you can go with the help of a little dish soap! Our children will not remember the things we buy them, but they will remember the time we give them.
Got Parent Guilt? Don't Let it Ruin Your Summer!
Use Vacation Days
The US Dept of Labor reports that 73% of civilian workers have access to paid vacations, but only 50% of American workers are taking advantage of vacation days (TheJobNetwork). Employers offer vacation days as a benefit. They realize employees need time off to decompress and relax in order to avoid burn out and extreme stress. Time off makes employees more efficient, less likely to make mistakes, and provides higher job stratification. When is the last time you took a vacation day? What are you waiting for? It's time to put them to use. I promise your employer can get by without you for a couple of days.
We often talk about the long lazy days of summer, but in reality, there are only 17 or 18 summers to spend with our children before they become adults. The average American will work 30-40 summers before retiring. We will have plenty of time to toil away at our jobs but very little to share with our kids so we should cherish every moment. All our kids really want from us is our attention and time, and that’s nothing to feel guilty about!
Creating a Schedule
I spent the first three weeks of summer trying to juggle my workload while entertaining the kids and attempting to hold on to my sanity. During the school year, I have a regimented work schedule. I need the organization and structure of a schedule so, when the chaos and unpredictability of summer descends, I am forced to take a step back and reevaluated my work schedule. I start my day before the kids are up to take advantage of the quiet time, I schedule calls for mid-morning while they are still waking up and not yet bouncing off the walls, and I work evenings while the kids watch a movie and wind down from the day. One of the best perks of remote work is the flexibility to create your own schedule, so take advantage of it!
“The Impact of 50% of American Workers Not Taking Vacation Time.” TheJobNetwork, 28 Nov. 2017,