Keep Yourself Sane and the Kids Busy This Summer
By Rachel Shouse
It's not going to take long before all of us are hearing "I'm bored" come out of our children's mouths. This can drive even the most patient of parents insane. There are some really creative ways to keep your kids busy this summer. Warning, they may not always like it. If you stick to your guns though, they'll get used to this routine much faster. Perfection isn't required so don't get too strict. Start small. Let's dig into some tips and tricks to keep kids busy during their summer vacation.
Do Some Research
There are a lot of people who don't feel like they're very crafty. Don't let this stop you. Even the most talented crafters have had to use Google a time or two. A quick tip: Try to use what you have on hand. You can type the material you have available in the search bar of Google and find crafts that you're already prepared for.
Encourage Independence
Teaching children how to do things on their own can be messy business. However, the more you teach them, the more they'll be able to do on their own. That means less questions and favors. Also, create some morning checklists. They have to complete tasks A, B, and C before they can do anything else. If your kids need time to wake up, give them a set amount of lazy time or technology time. This helps prevent them from being tiny couch potatoes.
Playdates and Socializing
Never shy away from letting your kids spend time with others. I'm not saying your kids are animals, but the way that some animals learn boundaries is by their peers telling them it's OK or it's not. I wouldn't recommend you letting your kids bite other children, but we have our own way of warning others. We don't want to see our kids struggle with hard social situations, but letting them have a chance can provide a lot of lessons.
For your older children, let them hang out with friends. Let them ride their bikes around with their buddies. If they're old enough, give them $5 and let them go get an slushy drink at the nearest gas station. If they show responsibility, give them more privileges.
Dollar Store Outdoor Toys
I went to dollar stores many times growing up. For those who haven't, you should. You could get your kids a new ball or you could let out your own creativity. They sell storage bins for $1 at some stores. Make a basketball bin for your kids. You can even use masking tape to create lines to stand behind. Let them see how far they can get.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in McKinney, Tex.