Yes, routines. Routines add to our wellbeing in many ways. I found when summer started we had fewer routines throughout our day which caused more power struggles. We were less busy with structured activities and schedules so needed to fill them with new things. While this was an opportunity, it also gave me dread. All that time for them to get 'bored' or fight with each other or disagree about options or argue with me. Ugh!
My strong willed child in particular does much much better when she has the structure of a daily schedule and operating guidelines/rules so she knows what to expect and how to succeed.
Time for a sit down and brainstorm about the summer.