School is nearly done and Summer vacation is around the corner for Manitoba residents. I have to admit that I have it pretty easy, as my children attend the daycare centre year round, where I am employed, and I am also in charge of the Summer programming. So, we should have a lovely Summer with lots of activities, art and science projects, too. Some single parents are left shuffling their kids from day camps to time spent with relatives. While the camps and weeks at Nana's house are awesome, the costs and juggling of time can feel overwhelming. In the end, it is still Summer ... yes, we may have the same grind as we do the rest of the year, but the weather is beautiful, your kids have free time and life is fleeting. Here are some tips to make some great Summer memories.

Make a Summer calendar. I know you have to work a nine to five, pick up the kids, make dinner and prepare for the next day but make a Summer calendar anyway. Add a couple of extra outings throughout the week; like a family evening walk, a trip to the library, time at the park,  a night at the movies (either at a cinema, projected on the side of the house, or snuggled in your living room). Check out your community newspapers for upcoming events that may be free of charge or of little cost. You are more likely to keep and prepare for these events if you mark them down.

Keep your meals simple. Summer-time seems to be a time where light meals seem to be more appealing than heavy ones and frankly, who wants to spend all that time in a hot kitchen? Take a walk to your local market for some fresh veggies and baked bread then home again to get Buy Canadian First member True North Salmon  products on the barbeque. Here are some great twenty minute meal ideas that are on the lighter side from Canadian Living Magazine online.

Create a do-it-by-yourself list. Sometimes we need a little time to take care of things around the house. This type of list gives children the choice of available activities they can do by themselves, reducing conflict and boredom. Some possible activities are painting and drawing, watching a movie, reading a book, drawing on the sidewalk or blowing bubbles on the front lawn.

I know it's not easy juggling time and there never seems to be enough of it, ever. This Summer, after a whole term of school and homework, I know there is the time after a long day at work. If that means I have to catch up on a little house work later, so be it!  

As a single parent, what are some of your tips and tricks for Summer break?

Image credits: True North Salmon, Andrea Willowcat