It’s a fact of life that we’re all waiting anxiously for the warmth and sunshine of summer to arrive. Along with that warmth comes summer vacation for most school children. Nearly three months out of the year, most schools are not in operation. While that’s a long awaited treat for both children and parents, the fact is that once summertime is in full swing, the heat has forced some of us indoors and the daily interaction with other children begins to be missed. Boredom sets in.
Children will of course never admit it, but they do long for that structure and for the daily fun times with school friends. They even miss the homework that kept their evenings so busy and full of things to do. How do we keep them from being bored and from finding things to do that we may not necessarily approve of?
We can give our kids things to do that will keep them happy and occupied. Finding ways to make summer fun is what parenting is all about. Taking the time to actually spend some hours with our kids is one of the best things about summer.
Evenings in the summer time are the perfect time for some family get together action. Let your children invite a friend over and then start a small fire in your grate or barbecue. Roasting marshmallows on the spur of the moment doesn’t take much time to arrange. Making S’mores, even if you are not having a barbecue is an outstanding way to get everyone in the same place and just talking. Sitting down in the evening and talking to your kids is one sure way to keep everyone on the same page.
Bike rides aren’t just for kids. You can spend an afternoon on a bike trail and have fun, as well as get great exercise. Take a backpack with sandwiches and find a place for an impromptu picnic. The kids will appreciate the time that you spent with them and may well ask to do it again.
What’s more fun than a picnic? Very little will give you the laughter and satisfaction that you get from just walking away from things in the house and going on a picnic. One of the most amusing and interesting times spent will be a breakfast picnic. Pack up a fishing pole and head out to the lake with some mini pancakes wrapped around a piece of breakfast sausage and some fresh fruit. The wake up call won’t be nearly as hard as you think when you surprise your kids with an outing.
Fun things in the summer don’t have to be big or expensive or amazing to count big with your kids. Anything out of the ordinary or where you’re spending time with them is going to matter and will stay in their memories throughout their entire lives.
About the author: Joyce Brister is a loving parent and blogger. Joyce loves writing about situations that parents are often faced with. Take a look at our Baby Crib Bedding Sets at MyBabyBeddingShop.com.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Charlotte Pickering.