Summer break is quickly hitting parents everywhere. My dilemma is what can I do to keep them busy and stop the dreaded I am bored moments that happen in my house throughout the summer.
Summer can be a great time to bond with your children and maybe even let your own inner child come out to play. But it can also be a stressful time when kids can misbehave because of boredom.
I must start with saying, I am not in charge of making sure my children are 100% entertained by me all summer. They are all capable of finding things to keep them busy. It is important for me as a parent to make sure they have choices and can do things to keep summer fun and also sneak in some learning.
If you need some ideas to help keep the kids busy over Summer Break, check out our list. Don’t forget to plan in advance, and involve your children in the planning. If your children know they have some fun activities scheduled during the week, they will be happier, as well as relaxed.
Read - One of the things I do on the last day of school is pick out a few summer books for them to read. It is a tradition that started with my Mom and I have passed it onto my children. If you have a book, you can never be bored as there is always a different land to explore in a story. You can also check with your local library to see if they have a Summer Reading Program, or even with your school. Our school sends out a suggested reading list. Scholastic even has an online summer reading program.
Create a Summer Activity List – This is a great article of some ideas to put on your list. I had a friend last year that created a poster of all the adventures that she wanted to do with the kids and they spent the summer checking off their adventures. She shared the adventures on Facebook which prompted some family planning of our own.
Plan a Staycation - If you aren’t able to sneak away for a vacation. Pick all the local places you have always wanted to visit and act like a tourist for a day or two.
Plan a “Chill Day” - Every day does not have to be actioned packed. Make sure you plan some days where you just chill, watch some movies, read some books, and take it easy.
Have a picnic – Plan a picnic in the park with friends. If it is a rainy day, have a picnic in the living room. It doesn’t have to be expensive, kids love to picnic and anytime they don’t have to eat at a table it’s an adventure for them.
Create time for yourself - If you are at home, your kids are with you 24/7. You need to take time to care for yourself. We all know the secret if you are, “A Happy Mom, then you have a Happy Family”. Create a mom’s night out once a week with a friend, or trade "days off" with another mom whose kids are close in age to your kids. Plan an outing with a friend so you have someone to visit with while your children play. The key is to find something that helps you take care of yourself.
Swim – Go to the pool, go to the beach, turn on the water sprinkler, buy a baby pool to cool your feet, or have a neighborhood water fight. The fun thing about summer is water and fun!
Volunteer - Find an organization that your child is interested in helping and offer to volunteer your time during the summer. My daughter and I volunteer at a local cat rescue once a week. We clean up after the cats and provide a lot of love. We have also volunteered at local races, and local events.
Plant a Garden – I don’t have a green thumb, but I try. We plant container gardens with tomatoes, or pick some of our favorite flowers to plant and enjoy all summer. No yard, no problem. Pick up small plants that you can plant indoors. Here are some ideas for indoor gardening - 18 Indoor Garden Ideas
Need more ideas? Check out - 120 Free Things To Do With Kids this Summer
Most important, find time to laugh, enjoy your family and have fun! Before you know it, school will be back in session. Go out and make it a great summer!