Summer. Those sunshiny days, pool parties and fresh lemonade. Every day is picture- worthy, right? For parents, especially those who work full-time, just thinking about summer causes heartburn. It is so easy to send a child to school, where they eat, have their heads crammed with information and get to run and play. Once they are home EVERY DAY, parents become the family Cruise Directors. If you are in a two-parent home, sometimes you can pass off the clipboard to your partner. If you’re a single parent (and I’ve done both), you get to do all the tasks. The cord of the shiny Cruise Director whistle begins a slow intertwining, drawing ever closer to your neck. How will you survive the summer? Here is a list of cruise director job responsibilities according to cruiseshipjob.com:
1) Acts as a head of the entertainment department and supervises and evaluates the performance of all department personnel – My mom used to tell me, “I am NOT the head of the entertainment committee.” She was the only personnel member, so I guess that’s why she tired of me asking what to do next. See line item 2…
2) Responsible for guiding his/her team to develop activity programming sensitive to guest demographics and itinerary fluctuations – This is a tough one, especially if you’ve already heard, “I’m bored!” on the first day of summer break. Plan a few events per week and leave some days open. Invite your kids to make some plans. Schedule some events, but let your kids schedule some of their own activities and enjoy some individual time. You’ve heard, “Let your kids get bored so they learn about self-direction and real life.” That is true. If they don’t like to be bored, offer them some chores.
3) Host and acts as Master of Ceremonies at special events, theme parties and other functions – Every summer day is a special event for a child. It may be a pajama and fort day or it may be a trip to the zoo. Even just a summer meal can be some quality get-together time. Get plenty of rest to be the MC of each day.
4) Makes announcements on the Public Address System – You are the public address system. It is entirely possible to lose your voice by the end of the day, so stay hydrated.
5) Monitors and evaluates guest comments and creates plans for improvements – I’d steer clear of this. Asking for feedback will only create more problems, especially if you have multiple children. A plan for improvement might be necessary if children are arguing; create cool-off spaces for each child. And for you.
6) Conducts regular meetings with the other heads of departments to review policies, discuss opportunities and coordinate solutions – Daycare, meals, doctors’ appointments, fun activities…a cruise director’s job, I mean a parent’s job is never done.
7) Ensures that guest entertainment and activities are carefully integrated with all product offerings aboard the ship – Look for free activities, such as free movies, events at your local library and time with grandparents. Parks are great locations for free exercise, so plan a playdate and pack a lunch.
8) Coaches and rehearses performance with department staff to ensure that cruise line standards are being met – If you have older kids, enlist them to help with chores and younger children. This is a chance for kids to learn responsibility and maybe even earn some pocket money.
9) Responsible for the training and counseling of all the staff under his/her supervision – If you hire a babysitter, make sure there is plenty of food in the house, cash in your pocket and clear job expectations.
10) My additional tip involves food. You will spend an exponentially larger amount of money on food when your kids are at home in the summer. You’ve seen that list on Facebook showing the number of meals a child eats during the school year versus during summer break. It’s basically 20-to-1. Stock up on healthy snacks and water bottles (for travel) and to prevent adding more dishes to the sink – stock napkins and paper plates. Have each child use his/her own cup all day. Or you could have a “Wash dishes!” special event planned for the end of each day…