I love summer time, not only because it means that my school-aged daughter gets to be home for a few months, but I also really look forward to the vacations, relaxation, and just general fun (scheduled or not) that happens.
Lest you think I live in a perfect world, I’ll remind you that I have three young children. So every day is not filled with endless sunshine and bliss. 🙂 There are the sibling quarrels to break up, the toddler tantrums and melt-downs while on outings, and the frequent urging (and sometimes threatening) on my part, to do chores or to practice piano. Yet, somehow the happy in-betweens make up for all the intensity and chaos that surrounds.
I have such great memories of my summer days while growing up. My 13 siblings and I grew up on a small farm with a large garden. Time away from school was spent working hard and playing hard, and I remember both with fondness and appreciation. Oh the imagination and creativity that happened amongst us children when there were no tablets or smart phones and we didn’t own cable television. 🙂 We built huts between the fruit trees, made bike trails in the empty lot next to our house, and took frequent trips to the candy store downtown (my mom was very trusting, I’m realizing now).
I want my kids to treasure their summer days as well, and take away life lessons and of course lots of fun experiences too! So I’ve put together a list of tips (but more like personal goals), that I hope will benefit you also, in having a memorable summer with young kids.
{TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE SUMMER WITH KIDS}
1. Play a lot!
Of course this has to be number one. Summer is a time to let loose and have fun! There are so many inexpensive or free activities to do. We always sign up for the Kids Bowl Free program and go at least once a week as a family to the alley.
We start the season out pretty rusty, and end up bowling nothing but strikes in the end. Ha! I wish. I may or may not rely on my kids’ bumpers a little too heavily. 🙂
On other days we swim at the community pool, hit up the splash pad, or picnic in the park, just to switch it up.
We enjoy a good hike on the weekend when dad’s home too.
Go HERE for more fun summer activity ideas for kids. For kids’ craft ideas, go HERE and for kids in the kitchen ideas, go HERE.
2. Incorporate planned, structured activities.
This can include, but is not limited to chores, crafts, baking, brushing up on some reading or math, and games.
Most days it’s like pulling teeth to get my kids to do chores, but chore charts and incentives work wonders. I’ve started a new rule that during the summer, the kids need to do their assigned tasks before 10 AM. The TV doesn’t go on until they’re successfully accomplished and I’ve verified.
Last summer we made some adorable Watermelon Slice Sugar Cookies. The kids talk about it all the time and ask when we can make them again. We also made some tasty Fruit Smoothie Popsicles that same summer. A perfect way to involve the kids in the kitchen and to cool off!
3. Provide learning experiences and opportunities to gain new skills.
This can include sports or music lessons, teaching how to bake or cook, throw a football back and forth at the park, or study the stars at night in the back yard. Pull out the work books from school last year and let them tackle a few pages. Or just hand them a great book to get lost in. I taught my daughter to read two summers ago, when she began to express an interest, and the timing could not have been more impeccable.
Summer is the perfect time to brush up on or gain a new skill!
4. Leave time for relaxation.
Try not to over-schedule your days. If there’s one thing I’ve learned with my kids, it’s that they love to be at home. They miss and yearn for it if we are gone too much. So I’ve set aside a short time, usually during my baby’s nap, where they can chill on the couch and watch a quick movie or play video games. Too many planned, scheduled activities can end up being exhausting for kids (and moms!). Unwinding is a must!
5. Allow/Encourage exploration and creativity.
This goes hand-in-hand with number 3, but is slightly different in that the kids can initiate and carry it out.
Last summer my daughter was playing in the back yard and found this adorable teeny, tiny lizard! The kids also love to catch bugs and collect them in their bug jars for observation.
Some of the best fun can be had right within your own home. I had to snap a picture of my daughter last summer when her stuffed animal became “Spider Bear” in her game of “make believe”. I love to watch my kids’ imaginations at work when they play with their toys or build a house out of blocks, then come up with accompanying back-and-forth narration and stories. Imaginative play is important!
6. Schedule and make a habit of “Unplugged Time”.
I say “schedule” because often times that is what has to happen in order for the video games, tablets, movies, and computers to go off. I know first-hand how easy it is to turn on the TV or hand the kids a tablet, leave the room, and then before I know it, half the day has passed. Technology is amazing and wonderful, but can quickly suck time away, leaving nothing to show for it.
I’ve found that time away from the screen often lends itself to creativity and productivity for the kids. The kids seem to be in better spirits, as well, when they aren’t staring at a screen all day.
7. Make Daily Exercise/Active Play a Priority.
This should happen naturally if screen time is limited. We love taking family walks and bike rides and playing at the park. Early mornings and evenings are a great time to get outdoors while it’s cooler.
8. Be Spontaneous!
If the kids get a wild hair one afternoon and want to have a treasure hunt or play super heroes (yes, this happens a lot around here), run with it! Unplanned, spur-of-the-moment activities really raise the excitement level.
I’m all for letting kids entertain themselves as much as possible, but I know they especially enjoy when mom’s at their side, even if I’m just there as an observer. 🙂
I shared this photo on Instagram a little bit ago. My son and I made a great duo in saving the world. When he invited/begged me to play, it was just about time to get dinner prepped and there was cleaning to be done, but kids won’t always be little. Years down the road, I won’t regret leaving a sink of dirty dishes for a few hours too long or serving dinner a little late, but I will wish I’d spent more time with my cute kids. AND, I logged some serious “cool mom points” in my son’s book this particular evening. 🙂
My advice, to myself and to you, is to live in the moment!
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I’m sure I missed something in there. What are your tips for having a fun and productive summer with kids? I’d love to hear!
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