Friday, May 12, 2017

“I’m Bored!”: What to do with the kids this summer


It’s time to start thinking what you are going to do with your kids or grandkids this summer that helps them have fun AND maybe learn some new skills.  The first thing you need to do is ask your children what they are looking forward to doing during the summer. LISTEN when they talk and resist the urge to cut in with comments like, “Do you know how expensive that is?” or “Where are we going to find a place to do that?” Write their suggestions down; it shows them you are listening to them and helps you remember what they said. This begins to build the child’s self-esteem. They feel like their ideas are valued. When my daughter and her husband asked my six-year-old granddaughter what she wanted to do this summer, she said, “art and science.” No more details than that.. that leads to the next step.
The next step is a family meeting (include grandma and grandpa if they will be watching the kids during the summer) Go over each idea and explore ways to make that happen.
What if your kids don’t have many ideas?
Here are some to consider:

  •  Explore local playgrounds. This is a great way for your kids to make new friends and maybe set up some playdates.A lot of kids have anxiety; learning yoga might help.
  • Check out local libraries. They often have yoga programs
  • Go  to local parks and explore art. Use watercolors.
  • Since what’s on TV is often reruns over the summer, how about a once a week game night?
  • How about a family puzzle: find a table where it can be left out and the whole family can work on it when they have nothing else to do?
  •  Have the kids plan a picnic for outside. Let them have complete control of the menu, the cooking (with supervision) This is great time to start teaching them how to cook.
  •  If you have the space, let the kids each plant what they want in the yard, with it being their responsibility to weed and water. If you don’t have the space or live in an apartment, as I do, you can check out if there is a community garden in the area.
  • Many local libraries, museums, and parks have free programs.
  • Often many local theatres have $1.00 movie days.
  •  What is their fun to do in your backyard? Look for croquet sets and badminton nets and rackets at garage sales and thrift stores.
  • For older kids, play Words with Friends with them. They will enlarge their vocabulary to be able to beat you!!
  • Many local parks have free outdoor concerts.
  • Encourage your kids to make visions boards. (look for my next post to discuss creating these)
  • Is your child interested in art? Get them their own sketchbook.
  •  Don’t forget to sign them up at your local library for the reading club.
        NEXT WEEK WE WILL EXPLORE MAKING VISION BOARDS

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