Ahhhhhh….SUMMER VACATION! For the first time in a while, kids all around Daviess County will begin their summer breaks in May instead of June. They are already counting down the days, hours and minutes until it begins. Some of you parents out there might be doing the same but for different reasons. Depending on your situation, summer break can present different challenges. For working parents, it might mean figuring out a day camp program, babysitters or coordinating sports schedules. For stay at home parents, it might mean figuring out a schedule or fun things to do, vacations or simply maintaining your sanity! Regardless of your situation, I’d like to give you a few ideas and tips on how to have a successful summer break for you and your children.
1 Schedules
Depending on how your children operate, a schedule can really come in handy and bring some needed structure to your days. Kids like to know what is coming up. If you are going to the pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays have it written down so that they can see it. If bedtime is at 9 p.m., let them know ahead of time to avoid any arguments. Then you know what time you get to kick back and watch your shows!
2 Boredom
Kids get bored and they get bored quickly. After the first couple of weeks you might find yourself wanting to pull your hair out because they keep saying they’re bored! A great way to kick boredom is to keep kids active. Walk the dog, ride bikes, go to the park, play basketball, swim. Summer is the season of endless outdoor activities. Kids who are active sleep better! I’m just saying.
3 Reading
Summer is a great time to read! I know that school is not in session, but teaching your child to read for fun is one of the greatest gifts you can teach them. It is so easy to shut your brain off, play video games and do nothing all summer. Check with your elementary schools for library programs that offer incentives for summer reading. Or you can offer your own incentives. “We’ll go to the movies on Friday if you read for thirty minutes a day.” Make it fun!
4 Money
Do not let money or lack of it to cause you to have a bummer summer. We are so fortunate to live in a resource-rich community. There are lots of activities that won’t cost you a dime to have fun. We have awesome parks and several of them have water parks. Culture is free. Soak it up! Go to the science museum, the botanical gardens or the art museum. See page 36 for a full list of summer fun that won’t break the bank.
5 Buddies
When in doubt, call a friend. It’s always a good idea to have some play dates on speed dial. Sometimes kids need a change of scenery too. It gives you someone else to chat with and the kids get to see their friends. So plan a day trip with your buddies and make a day of it.
6 Me Time
Take some time for yourself. Have a girl’s night or a guy’s night, go shopping, plan a date night, play 18 holes of golf or get a mani/pedi. It is so important to take time for you as a parent. It’s your summer too and it only comes around once a year. I highly encourage each and every one of you to have a ME PARTY! Your kids will thank you.
It seems as if life goes by so fast these days. The moments and the memories that you and your family make this summer will last a lifetime. Keep that in mind when you are tired, had a hard day at work or didn’t get much sleep. It makes me think of all the times that my own child has said, “Mom, Mom, watch me!” And you know what…I always do because I know it is a “moment” I will want to remember later in my life. Make your summer one to remember!