I had written this post a while back when I joined Steemit. but officially posted on steemit first time only 3 days back. But still hope all parents can be benefited from this post. This summer or may be in holidays in years to come.
With the kids fresh out of school, long weeks of summer stretching ahead, and the use of
technology geared towards children on the rise, coming up with fun ideas to keep your kids
happy, engaged, and entertained can be a challenge – especially on a budget! Here are some of
our best suggestions, as close to foolproof as a parent can be.
Getting Ready
The excitement has been mounting in the back of kids’ minds for months. Truthfully, ever since
they went back to school after winter break, they’ve likely been counting down the days. Here
are some ways to channel their budding enthusiasm into a few productive days helping out
around the house.
• If you haven’t already packed up their heavier winter clothes and unboxed the summer
stash, having your kids get involved can be a good way to let them know of your future
plans and answer any questions or concerns they might have about what you’re all
going to do.
o The trick is to not treat it like a chore, punishment, or hard assignment.
• Since your children have been eagerly anticipating the last day of school, surprise them
by going out for ice cream. Take the time to talk to them about how their last weeks of
school went and what they’re looking forward to in the summer. Because…
It’s Important to Ask First
Whether your kids are old enough to have developed a favorite hobby or are still figuring out
what extracurricular activities they prefer, have an open conservation about attending a camp
or clinic that focuses on a particular skill set or interest. These programs typically offer lots of
options regarding overnight versus day attendance, and duration can vary from just one week
to several. Some classic ideas include:
• Music or band camp
• Arts and crafts or performing arts camp
• Basketball, soccer, dance, or other sport clinics
• Space Camp or a similar science initiative
• You could always keep it more broad with a general enrichment program! Public
elementary schools host all-day or half-day programs at reasonable prices, chaperoning
field trips or hosting a variety of casual seminars in arts, baking, sports, etc.
Brain Food
While your kids have definitely earned a break from the monotony of an eight-hour school day
and the stresses of homework and studying, it’s equally important to make sure your children
don’t forget everything they’ve been learning during the school year. The younger they are,
the better off they will be forming good habits now.
• Kumon, Sylvan, or another ongoing tutoring program can be a great way to keep busy,
especially if they’ve been struggling in a specific subject.
o These types of services might have a more general option if your kids are more
well-rounded.
• For older kids who are enjoying school on their own, help them land a small tutoring gig
of their own – it might even carry into the school year!
o Getting older kids started on “mother’s helper” or babysitting positions can also
be a big help. Hallmark Health and other services sometimes host first-aid
training and babysitting training geared towards preteens.
Classic Family Fun
Think back to some activities you did with your own family when you were little! These never
get old, especially if you pair up with your childrens’ friends and their parents, too.
• Water parks, indoor or outdoor
• Amusement parks
• Zoos, aquariums, or museums
• A beach day
o You will need: a cooler with snacks, water, sunscreen, beach umbrella, beach
blanket, towels, and a Frisbee, floating ball, or boogie board for extra fun!
o Consider taking out a membership for parking if you plan to go often; but if not,
plenty of beaches do have free parking.
The Great Outdoors
There’s no denying the importance of technological advancements, but it’s also crucial to your
childrens’ natural development for them to unplug, use their imaginations, and spend time out
in the fresh air instead of staring at a screen.
• If you don’t typically hike or camp yourself, reach out to friends and family who do.
• A weekend in the mountains or on a family-friendly campsite could be just what your
kids need to recharge!
• If an overnight stay isn’t for you, a day hike could be a great alternative.
• Take the kids kayaking, canoeing, or rowing for an afternoon!
o Feeling daring? Teach the kids to fish!
§ Just make sure you’re keeping in mind all the public fishing regulations.
o Boat-rental facilities generally offer paddling lessons and camp-like activities
once school lets out.
• With Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, there are often lots of opportunities for
parades. Take advantage of the sunshine and make a whole picnic day out of it.
• Take a look at your city or town’s public works – swimming pools are generally free!
• Fruit- or berry-picking is a great way to teach your kids a little bit about health and
farming while spending a day bonding.
The Great Outdoors: Precautions
Whether on a quick afternoon trip or a week-long camping adventure, safety is always a
priority (although fun is a close second). You never know what could happen!
• In general, wherever your kids are going, it’s a good idea to make sure there’s an
umbrella on hand and sunscreen packed, just in case.
• Extreme weather can be scary, and in the summer heat, lightning storms are more
common. Easily-spooked pets can agitate the kids even more. Keep everyone calm by
simply explaining what’s happening and that you’ll be safe in the house. The thunder
may loud, but it is not harmful, and lightning only strikes tall things. Consider watching
the lightning with them and pointing out all of the different colors. Once they know
more about what’s happening, it won’t seem so intimidating.
When the Weather Decides Otherwise
Most summer plans depend on the weather being warm and sunny, but of course, that’s not
always the case. Luckily, rainy day activities can take place inside or out of the house, and it
only takes some imagination to make a dreary day fun.
• A trip to the movies
• Family board-game day
• Let the kids help with some baking! Sweet treats with easy recipes are available online.
• Make doing household chores a friendly competition with small prizes!
Almost Over! Back-to-School Prep
The kids might be upset about summer ending, so it’s a good idea to make sure they feel
included in planning for the return back to school in the fall. Here are some tips to help them
feel they are contributing to the shopping without tiring them out.
• Ask them to make short lists of classroom supplies that they need.
• Take them with you so you can find things together and have open conservations about
why they are looking for the things they are.
• Shopping for shoes and clothes can be a drag, so make a fun day out of it – go out to
lunch afterwards, and once you get home, help them pack everything in their
backpacks and get organized. If they feel more ready for classes to resume, they’ll have
an easier time adjusting back to a school routine.
When All Else Fails…
Sometimes the heat can be draining, family trips can turn stressful, or your child might be
feeling left out or jealous of something their friends are doing without them. You can’t control
everything, but you know your child best, and cheering them up will only take some cold water
and patience.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful, safe summer!
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