Summer’s a challenge for moms
By By Michelle Blaylock, Mom’s Corner
Let’s see. The pool, Vacation Bible School, car trips, the pool, ball fields, practices, summer camp, crafts, umm, did I mention the pool? How many weeks of summer vacation are there? Although I love summer and do enjoy having my kids home over the summer, it can sometimes be challenging to keep everyone from boredom and do it without breaking the bank.
My first suggestion is take advantage of free and inexpensive activities such as Vacation Bible School, the library, nature walks, historical walks and parks. Umm, what next?
One of my family’s primary activities during the summer is the swimming pool.
Granted this is not a free activity, but when John and I considered the number of hours of enjoyment the kids and I have at the pool it becomes one of the best values for the money.
I have also found planning the summer helps with boredom. If the kids know this week we are going to work on this or that on Monday and Wednesday, go to the pool on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and have game night on Friday, they are much more content. Many children under 11 or 12 actually desire and need a planned schedule but having blocks of time or days set aside where nothing is planned and children can just play is important too. Our schedule is not set in stone, and that is part of the fun of summer vacation.
I also think that kids also need to enjoy “simple” fun such as sidewalk chalk, mud pies, playing in the rain (as long as there is not any thunder or lightening), water balloons, squirt guns, campouts in the back yard, etc.
I know many people are cutting back on vacations due to money concerns. However, there are many opportunities for “mini-vacations” in our area. Huntsville and Decatur both have activities such as museums, historical walks, parks, etc.
Day trips can be a refreshing change from the ordinary and fairly inexpensive, especially if you pack a lunch and don’t indulge in gift shops.
Another thing to have fun with over the summer is crafts.
Many magazines are filled with simple crafts that children can help make and can be completed in a day or two. You are not looking for perfection. You are just spending time with your child or children.
My ultimate advice is: Remember this is the only summer your child will be this age. Enjoy it while you can and then be thankful you did, so you are ready to move on when they are.
