Tick tock until the last bell of the school year tolls. For many moms, summer begins with a love-hate relationship. On one hand, there is no need to adhere to the strict schedules, activities, and to-do lists that are a must August-June. But on the other hand, summer means that your children will wake up late, play with new toys, engage in a few fun “summer activities”, then a few days in, they are looking at you screaming, “I’m bored!”
Here are five tips to make sure that the 104 days, more or less, of summer are fun for everyone involved!
1. Don’t overcommit! Summer is supposed to be a fun, lazy time for both mom and kids alike. Don’t overschedule them with camps and extra activities to the point where when they do get back to school in the fall they feel like they haven’t had a break at all.
2. Hit the water. Whether it is the beach or the local pool, make sure that the kids get in some water time. If they don’t know how to swim, this is the perfect time for them to learn. Whether they are a novice or expert swimmer, make sure that everyone practices good water safety rules.
3. Make sure to have snacks ready and waiting. While children are at home, you will hear, “I am hungry,” more often than not. If it has been five minutes or sixty since their last nibble, you will hear multiple requests for snacks. Set up a snacking station for the kids and let them “self-serve” as the day goes on. Stock your station with healthy goods such as apples, pretzels, fruit cups, granola, and more.
4. Off to see the grandparents. It is important that your kids have a great relationship with their grandparents. Organize a trip, whether they are in-town or out, for your kids to go and spend time with nana and grandpa. It will not only give you a break, but it is a great way to create a lasting bond between your kids and their grandparents.
5. Spruce up the backyard. Invest in outdoor playhouses, activities, water toys, or a simple slip and slide, open the back door to your backyard and let the kids have it! They will discover that there is no place like home for fun and you may look out and see that your backyard has become the most popular place on the block!
