For most people, school is out or will be shortly. What do you do now that the kids are home all day?

For the first few weeks, most kids are happy to run, jump and play, but soon the cries of “I’m bored” kick in. With money being tight for everyone right now family vacations, summer camps and “field trips” will probably be difficult for most families.

The first thing I recommend is not the first thing that most people think of, but helps our kids retain what they have learned in school, in addition to helping to keep some structure in place. Continue school work through the summer. We have used a series of books called “Summer Bridge Activities.” These are designed to be used for the summer. It is only a few pages a day, but it helps to keep kids in the habit of school work and for many of our kids the routine and structure is important to them. Even if you don’t use this book, keep some sort of consistency in having your child sit down and do some school work each day. For kids who have difficulties with transitions, it can make things easier for them.

Cooking with your kids – I am a huge proponent of cooking with your kids. In addition to teaching your child basic life skills and helping to boost their self esteem, you are working on bonding, and incorporating almost all of the senses. You have taste, touch, sight and smell. On the days when it is just too hot to cook, have your child help you prepare a picnic, or make popsicles or Jell-o pops. Remember doing these as a kid?

Exercise – Getting out and exercising is good for all of us and it might help you save some gas money. Head to a playground and let your kids run while you relax with a good book (provided your kids can play without constant supervision) or be a kid again and climb the monkey bars.

Treasure hunts – Send your child on a treasure or scavenger hunt. Kids like to dig and explore. Make up a list of things that will be a little difficult for them to find, but are reasonable for your area. Ex: a red rock, a pinecone over three inches long, a caterpillar, or give them a list of colors and have them find something unusual for each color.

Play with water – Kids can run through the sprinkler, have water balloon fights, or water gun fights. Are you adventurous enough to get out there with them?

Set the housework aside and enjoy this time with your kids. The dusting will still be there tomorrow, but the summer will go quickly, and hopefully your kids are fun to be around.


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