Leawood Elementary

Summertime Ideas for Parents

As summer approaches, kids are getting excited and parents are beginning to plan how to engage their kids during the break from school. We thought we would take this opportunity to share some ideas about how to keep this summer fun and relaxed, while giving your kids the gift of some routine and structure as well. We’d like to support your sanity, too!!

For the children that are able to be at home during these months, the freedom to choose their activities and types of play is a wonderful thing. Many parents find some common dilemmas such as the following:
“All I want to do is play video games or use the computer”
“I’m bored” (after the first week of break)
“Take me here, take me there, what are we going to do today?”
(as in, please schedule my every moment)

A well balanced summer day means that kids have choice in what they do, opportunities for down time, and independent time as well as time engaged in activities with parents and friends. Healthy children have the opportunity to spend time on the interests they love most, but are also exposed to other developmentally appropriate activities. For example, if your ten year old loves video games, he/she gets time to play, but is also expected to be outside (riding bikes, skateboarding, collecting bugs, or playing with friends, etc) or inside doing other activities (reading, chores, board games, listening to music, etc.).

Finding a balance between scheduled activities and free time is important as well. Kids who engage in free, unstructured play have more opportunities to use their imaginations and build independent skills. While providing this type of down time is important, maintaining some routines within a more relaxed day can help both you and your child enjoy the summer break. Examples of various routines might be:
Morning (watch TV., eat breakfast, morning chores, get ready, play)
Afternoon (lunch time, “quiet time in rooms”, arts and crafts)
Evening (dinner, play outside, family walk, read books, bedtime rituals)

As we mentioned in our February Blog, kids need and respond to structure. If your family is traveling, attempt to keep at least a couple of routines the same whether you’re at a hotel, camping, or visiting family or friends. If your child is at summer camp while you are working, they may need more “down time” when at home, as their day is scheduled from morning until afternoon already. Attempt to continue a few routines within this down time as well. Providing this structure is critical to your children being able to respond to the changing environments and schedules that may occur during any summertime event.

The following are just a few websites that offer summertime ideas for families and children:
www.Creativekidsathome.com/summeractivites2.html
http://www.familyfungo.com/
www.Kidsturncentral.com/summer/summerfun.htm
www.momswhothink.com/kids-crafts/summer-activities-for-kids.html

Please share your thoughts with us and other parents about what we’ve presented as well as any other ideas you may have to help families enjoy their summer breaks! Thank you for taking the time to visit our parenting blog. Your input is highly appreciated!