Summer Accountability Checklist

How many of you have a to-list list a mile long come summer? Whether it's playdates or projects, get-togethers and occasions, it seems like "summer" is the place to cram all these things in. I'm guilty of saying, "add it to the summer list," or "we'll have lots of time this summer."

The thing is, we wait for months to see the sunshine and then poof! It's gone before you know it. And if you don't schedule your fun in the same way you schedule your work and must-dos, well, guess what, you won't get them done. And not that we NEED permission to have fun, but I personally believe carving out the social/fun calendar is just as (if not more so!) important. 

If you've followed along these last few years, you'll know that I'm not a fan of SHOULD and I've done a pretty good job of eliminating that word from our family's vocabulary. We don't should ourselves; rather, we think about what we want to do and we make it a plan to do it.

Quite a few people messaged me asking me for my summer bucket list, and I will try and put something together for you all. The thing is: my summer bucket list is going to be a lot different than someone else's bucket list, depending on where you live, your kids' ages, your budget, etc.

Instead, I've put together a Summer Accountability Checklist (cause I love to-do lists!). This is my personal checklist, so I've also added a blank one you can print and tailor to your liking and interests. Basically, the accountability list is to keep me honest and make sure we do all the fun things we say we're going to do. The accountability list doesn't include items that are already scheduled, like "Register for Camp", for example; rather, the checklist is to provide you and your family with a set of goals that will make your summer more relaxing, more exploratory and more fun. So, here you go:

And a blank version:

Like all goals, make them reachable and attainable and you will be successful. We used a similar strategy last year and had a very accomplished, fun-filled summer with lots of beach time, playing tourist in our own community and making family memories to last a lifetime. We've already checked one box this year -- having visited Kensington Market's Pedestrian Sunday for the first time this weekend.

In the Toronto area, we have a decent 16-20 weeks of warmer weather ahead. Instead of wasting them with "should haves", make a list of everything you want to get done and make it happen!