Jun 11, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Summer Fun
In one hour I can officially say that all of my kids are finally on vacation. I think I started to hear a little bit- oh great what are we going to do now. Some of my friends asked me, what are you going to do to keep your kids busy all summer. This comment bothered me a little. We are so scheduled during the school year with school, homework, and activities, that it is good to have some downtime. Children today don’t always know how to entertain themselves. We have not helped them by always having something to do. Summer is a great time for them to learn this. And you know what, it is ok to be bored sometime. Kids and teens do not need constant entertaining.
When I told my son it’s time for him to think what he can do, he sat down and sent emails to 20 kids and asked them to meet at the park for a game of pick-up baseball. I was so glad that he was able to figure out and plan something for him and his friends. It’s a little different then how we use to do it since he did use the computer, but he is gathering kids from multiple schools and they are going to just go out and play. No adults planning or driving. They are walking, biking, and hanging out together. Just what kids should do in the summer.
Here is a list of some different ideas to do. Feel free to add on your ideas- moms and dads are always looking for new things to do.
Go to the beach and play in the sand. Check out the farmer’s markets- there are different ones all over town during the week and the weekend. Start your own garden and have your children help take care of it. Have your child journal what they are doing everyday. Try an activity they might not normally participate in during the year- summer is a great time to try new things without a major commitment. Find some of the free concerts available- check out summerfest and state fair they have great things for kids during the day. The Marcus Center often has concerts on Wednesday morning or afternoon. Set up a lemonade stand. Wash cars. Go for walks. Set up an obstacle course outside of your house and invite neighborhood kids over. Go for a bike ride and then have a picnic. Build a library system in your home, having everyone create their own library card. On gloomy or rainy days, build as big and creative a fort as possible with chairs and blankets. Sign up for the reading program at the library and have a reading picnic outside. Have cooking classes together in your kitchen.
Whatever you do have fun and do it safely! Do you have some ideas? We would love to hear them.
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