Search This Blog

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Surviving summer: A parent’s guide to great activities

Activity






Kids cheer when school is over, but parents sometimes cringe. Summer can seem very long when your kids have too much free time on their hands --- and not enough planned activity. In fact, summer is a great opportunity for you to help shape adventures for your children. Keep in mind that kids thrive on being busy, learning new skills, spending time with other children and using their creativity.

A list of ideas and tips

The ideas listed here include activity that use small and large motor skills, combine indoor and outdoor fun and build self-esteem.  As you read on, you may want to list more ideas that come to mind.
  • Go swimming or run through the sprinkler.
  • Ride bikes and scooters.
  • Go to the park or visit a zoo.
  • Make homemade popsicles.
  • Check out your library for story times, special reading contests and free videos for the kiddeos.
  • Have a picnic in the backyard and invite other families. Teach your kids some card games.
  • Make a tree house or obstacle course.
  • Help your kids plan their own “Summer Olympics” for friends on the block.
  • Make musical instruments out of household items.
  • Help your kids set up a lemonade stand.
  • Search out Internet sites that provide content and activities for kids online.
  • Volunteer at a nursing home, community garden, pet shelter or other site.
And always have on hand…

  • Swimsuits and sunscreen
  • Sidewalk chalk and bottles of bubbles
  • A hose, sprinkler and kiddie pool
  • Play-doh, Legos or blocks
  • Lots of craft supplies for rainy days (or just quiet time): Give kids a place where they can use markers, glue and scissors without fear of getting into trouble
  • Jacks, pickup sticks, hula hoops and board games
  • Healthy snacks and drinks
And finally…

Kids need down time too. Don’t forget to plan some “kick back and relax” time each day. Kids cheer when school is over, but parents sometimes cringe. Summer can seem very long when your kids have too much free time on their hands — and not enough planned activity.





No comments:

Post a Comment