I wouldn't dream of managing 10 weeks at home with three kids without a serious survival plan.  I always have a plan. I don't stick to it all the time, but I have it set. It will comfort me when I wake up at 2 a.m. on June 21 in a cold sweat, realizing there are only two days to go until I'm on my own.

After talking  to other moms, I'm confident that I'm not the only one who starts with a good, solid plan, yet wakes up sometime in August on the living room floor begging for mercy, wondering in a daze, "Is this my house? Is it September yet? Was there an earthquake?"

In an attempt to keep us all from experiencing the typical August breakdown, I have developed a bigger, better, foolproof plan for this summer. And I think I may even try to stick to it. I mean it. I'm going to make it through until September with a smile and a good attitude no matter what it takes. 

Need help with your plan? Here are my best ideas that don't require a huge budget and can work with kids of varied ages.

To start, consider your goals for the summer. It may seem odd to set a summer vacation goal beyond "surviving without serious injury," or "limiting visits to the ER," but it will help keep you focused.  What are your goals? Are you hoping for simple fun and relaxing family time? Are your kids looking for an adventure or a new family hobby?  Do you want to learn something new or spend your time working on a family project that has been put on hold for a while?

Write it all down and have a planning session with the kids. Map out the summer by setting aside activities by the day such as Monday — Beach Day; Tuesday — Hiking Day, etc... You can also choose a weekly theme if you want to add a little extra focus to your time together.

Here are few ideas for weekly themes:

• Pioneer Adventure: Dress like a pioneer, cook pioneer foods and play games. This may require a bit of research on your part, but that's all part of the fun. Build a fire, light candles and if you are really brave, turn off the electricity for a while and let the kids experience what it would be like to live without our modern conveniences. Camp out in the backyard and read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books by candlelight.  Other fun topics include a Pirate Adventure (try reading the original Peter Pan aloud),  Tropical Paradise Week or Native American themed week.
• International Adventure: Let your kids pick a country that they would like to visit and learn about it. Watch tourist guide movies or go online to see the sights. Don't forget to check out Google Earth and get a close up look at the cities you want to explore. Try cooking food from that country or find a restaurant that serves food from your chosen area.
• Take a rest at your Home-tel: Remember the lazy days of summer? Here's your chance to recreate that feeling and kick back and relax. Turn your home into a hotel for a couple of days. Order take-out as much as possible or keep meals simple. Remember, you are not the maid this week — it's your vacation too!
• Hometown Nature Tour: Spend your days immersed in nature right here in Brookfield. Explore a new hiking trail, visit the Brookfield Nature Center, picnic by Lake Lillinonah. Let the kids bring a camera, a sketch pad or a journal and record their experiences and observations.

Remember, the point is to have fun with your kids and enjoy your time together. Don't get stressed out by the details. Involve your kids in the planning. They'll be thrilled to share their ideas and direct the fun!

Do you have any great ideas that you'd like to share? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section and help other moms (like me) strengthen their super summer plan!