What can you do this summer with your family?
A lot! This summer looks a little different than most. Pools are closed, camps and activities are either cancelled or limited, and kids are looking for things to do that are fun. So, I did a little research and came up with a few things that if you have not done them already, you can do them now!
Have your children make a list
If you want to know what your kids are thinking these days, ask them to make their own lists of activities that they want to participate in. Depending on their age, they can either write it themselves, or you can do it for them while they verbalize it to you. Some of their ideas may be outlandish, crazy ideas that cannot be possible, but I would imagine many will!
Once you have the lists from all your children, you can do a few things to make the choosing more fun.
First, cut out the ideas from the paper, fold them up and put them in a jar. When it is time to choose an activity, have the children take turns to pick one. No peeking! Everyone has to agree to participate even if it is not their idea.
Second, have each child choose one of their own ideas from their list, and once again, everyone has to agree to participate!
Doing this, gives your children a sense of investment in the decision making process and by choosing their ideas, they can also feel more important and valuable!
Have Family Nights
If you are not already doing this, now is a great time to start! Family nights can look different for everyone, but some of the most fun activities are Family Movie Night, Family Dance Party, and Family Game Night.
If your children are old enough, have family movie night once a week and take turns choosing the movie. Perhaps mom choosing one week, dad another, and your son or daughter next. Watch the movie inside, eat popcorn and cookies and turn off the lights to pretend you are actually at the theater. Or, if you have a tent, have your movie night in the tent outside, then sleep in the tent overnight!
Family Dance Party can take on a variety of "looks". Perhaps you want to make it a contest like World of Dance, or So You Think You Can Dance! Take turns judging and dancing routines to your favorite music, record each performance, and whoever scores the highest wins a special prize! Or, just have an all out dancing party where everyone dances to different music that is chosen by each family member. Just have fun.
Family Game Night can be held outside or in, or both! Board games are always a fun idea, but what about the old fashioned games, Kick the Can, tag, or kick ball?
Whatever you decide to do, just have fun being together.
Have fun with Water
Are any splash pads or pools open?
As of now, I do not see any pools or splash pads open in my area. So, why not create your own? Grab an inflatable pool, turn on your sprinkler and have a water day. Play with beach balls, set out towels, set up a slip and slide, and just create a backyard water park! Go one step further, and have your children, (if they are old enough) set up a lemonade and food stand where you serve sandwiches, ice cream, and other goodies just like at the water park. Use play money and let this opportunity be a teachable experience about finances and how to run a business!
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