In about a week, many local elementary students will be out of school for the summer. While most kids are no doubt ecstatic about that fact, I am sure there are at least some parents who are just a bit panicked. That’s because with school out of session, there are about 12 weeks of no school time that has to be filled with activities.
Some parents put their kids in either half-day or full-day summer camp, but for parents who don’t, there’s a lot of time to fill.
My children will have four weeks of half-day camp, but besides that, they will be at home. Because I am a part-time editor and writer, I will have to carefully schedule my work and fun time for the summer. And because I don’t want to break the bank on summertime fun, I’ll be looking for inexpensive ways to keep us all cool, happy and active, and organized, as well. These are some strategies I’ve found for handling the summer break – perhaps these tips will help your family, as well.
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Bucket of fun: For the younger set, summer is a time for jump ropes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and water toys. Try keeping all these toys in the same place – such in a large tote or bucket – so they will be easy to find and grab. You might want to toss in a bottle of sunscreen, too.
Stay cool: For days when it’s too hot to stay outside, plan for a place where you can go to be cool. Kids can bowl for one discounted price all summer long by signing up at KidsBowlFree.com. The Bookworm program at local theaters offers kids a free movie every Wednesday (at 10 a.m.) in exchange for reading a book and writing a short description about it on a provided form. The first movie is Over the Hedge on July 6. The book report form (which serves as your child’s admission) is available online.
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Make it a group effort: Add to the fun by getting together with other moms or families for playdates and summer activities. Or, for some “me” time, try trading off hosting playdates with another mom so you can get errands done or squeeze in some down time.
Plan around the sun: When the weather gets really hot and you don’t have pool access, try scheduling outdoor activities in the morning before the noontime sun hits, or for the evening, when it starts to get cooler.
Ready the snacks: With active kids at home, you’re going to need snacks and refreshments, and you don’t want them noshing on soda and chips all day. Place healthy snacks and drinks (either in a light pitcher or drink boxes) on low shelves in your fridge and cabinets where your kids can reach them so they can self serve. Healthy food options include raw veggies, chunks of watermelon, string cheese and raisins or dried fruit.
Don’t scrap bedtimes completely: It might be fun to let the kids stay up late now and then in the summer, but if you keep to a bedtime schedule (albeit one that may be a little later than the one you kept during the school year), your kids will be better rested. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll get some alone time and parents can get in some time together, too.
