School’s out, and summer’s in, and if you’re like a lot of parents, you might be wondering how to survive the next couple months without the kids driving you crazy.

    There’s no question that summer can be a stressful time for parents as they face the prospect of having the kids home all day, every day.

    But with the right amount of preparation and planning, along with regular communication, parents can take some of the stress out of the season and maybe even have some fun in the sun themselves.

    While there’s something to be said for the lazy days of summer, it’s important to remember that children — and families, for that matter — still need structure and routine. Planning ahead can help.

    Some parents enroll their children in summer camps before winter even ends, but it’s not too late to find organized recreational opportunities that are not only fun for children, but help provide structure to their days.

    Public libraries are great — and often inexpensive — sources of summer programming for kids. Additionally, many towns and municipalities offer a variety of summer recreational programs to satisfy a range of interests from arts to sports. Community swimming pools or swim clubs also are a good source for summer fun.

    Older children should be encouraged to find a part- time job. Whether working as a camp counselor or staffing the snack bar at the pool, summer jobs teach teenagers responsibility, enable them to start earning their own money and help keep them out of trouble. Remember, even the most well-behaved teens tend to get in trouble if they are left home with nothing to do.

    The key is to be prepared and to have activities lined up for your children in advance. This is just as important for stay-at-home moms (and dads) as it is for parents with jobs outside the house.

    Once you have a plan in place, communication becomes critical. Establish expectations and rules at the start of the summer. If children know what to expect up front, they are less likely to rebel later.

    Although summer can be stressful, it does provide parents a time to build up their relationship with their children. Consider planning special outings with your children once or twice a week. This not only provides them with something to look forward to, it gives you time to bond — time you don’t often get during the busy school year.

    Take your daughter shopping one week. Go to a baseball game. Have a picnic. The idea is to enjoy time together without any of the distractions of home.

    Keep in mind, however, that no matter how much you plan and how much you talk with your children, you’re bound to feel frustrated at some point. It could be when they are begging you to take them out for ice cream or when they’re running through the house with wet bathing suits or when they’re pestering you at work, wondering if they can have a friend sleep over.

    Don’t worry. It’s normal for parents to feel frustrated with their children from time-to-time, and every parent handles frustration differently.

    When that frustration reaches the boiling point, it can be natural for parents to resort to screaming and yelling, but this only accomplishes upsetting everyone even more than they already are. The good news is that as a parent you ultimately are in control and can take constructive steps to more positively channel your children’s abundant energy. First, take a timeout. Give your children an activity to do and then walk away for a few minutes so you can catch your breath and calm yourself. It’s important to give yourself a break, so that you can be the person you most want to be for your family.

    Being outside with your children also can help reduce stress. So can arranged play dates, which are fun for children and provide parents an opportunity to socialize and interact with other adults.

    And just as you plan activities for your children, be sure to plan enjoyable activities for yourself. Arrange to meet a friend for lunch. Take an exercise class. Join a book club or sports team. Couples should plan date nights — without the children. Don’t be shy about asking family members or friends for help.

    However, if you find yourself at the end of your rope and stress over parenting is impacting your work and relationships, you should consider talking with a counselor or therapist who can recommend solutions for easing your frustrations. Speak with your pediatrician for referrals to area therapists.

    Parenting is never easy, and summertime can make it especially difficult. Yet if you plan ahead, talk with your children and establish a routine at the start of the season, summer can provide a rare opportunity to spend quality time with your kids and grow closer as a family.

    To find a physician affiliated with Princeton HealthCare System, call 888-742-7496 or visit www.princetonhcs.org.

Madhurani Khare, M.D., is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as general psychiatry. She is the Medical Director of the Hamilton site of Princeton House Behavioral Health. Princeton House Behavioral Health, a unit of Princeton HealthCare System, is a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare.