Summer is here. A couple of lazy months sandwiched between chaotic school years. No more schedules filled up from 6:30am-10pm with homework and extracurricular activities. Both the sun and your child are smiling. So now what? How do you make the most of this extra time with your children and the nice weather? Here are a few tips to get you started.
MAKE A SUMMER FUN LIST
You’ve heard of a bucket list, right? This is very similar. Sit down with your kids and make a list of things to do this summer. There can be a family list and an individual list for both kids and parents. To make it fun, put it on a poster board, decorate it, and hang it up in the kitchen. Check them off as you go. Some things that could be on your list are: learn how to make a blueberry pie, redecorate bedroom, check a book out from the public library, hike a new trail, learn calligraphy, take pictures of the sunset, go to a local outdoor movie, visit the International Fountain. This list gives your kids enjoyable and personalized goals that can be done at your house or as a family outing. If you don’t get it all done during summer, keep it around for other school breaks throughout the year. This year, my summer fun list includes making a bracelet, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, and having a picnic in the backyard.
BOLSTER FRIENDSHIPS
Social life can cause a lot of strife and a lot of joy for our kids. Strong friendships offer them security and support. Summer is a great time for your child to foster new and old friendships outside the confines of the school social hierarchy. This is especially important if your child has been struggling socially throughout the school year. Offer to drive them to the local beach. Sign your child up for some one day classes and have them invite a friend or two. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Plan low-key social events at your home by hosting a movie night or balloon fights. For 10 and over, they just need a place to hangout and some food. They can handle the rest on their own. Parents can also take advantage of this time to get to know other parents. So think beaches, BBQ’s, and balloon fights. For me, I’ve already scheduled a glass mosaic class with a friend. Adult friendships are important too!
TAME THE SCREEN
Take advantage of the fact that your child does not have to be connected to their screens because of homework. Have times throughout the day that you turn your screens off (yes, this includes you mom and dad). If you don’t have a screen to entertain you, you end up being bored. And boredom leads to creativity, reflection, and recharging.
BE BORED
Summer is the perfect time for your kids to learn about boredom. This generation is entertained 24 hours a day so being bored, unbusy, and unscheduled can actually make them anxious! It’s good for them to learn how to lay out on a blanket and read a book, watch the clouds float by, or think about life. Don’t feel like your kids need to be entertained the entire summer. If they keep telling you they are bored, point them in the direction of their summer fun list or offer them a chore that needs to be done!
ENJOY THE TIME
I know that summer can be exhausting for some parents, but remember that you only have so much time with your kids before they move out of the house. The time will go by in the blink of an eye. So enjoy your summer with your kids as much as you can. Find your inner kid and let her come out to play. My inner kid is going to enjoy a water balloon fight. Shhh. Don’t tell my kids. My plan is to ambush them.
To sum it all up… enjoy your summer, relax, and make lots of lasting memories.
With Heart,
Coach Sheri
