My kids have just a few weeks left of school and i always have so many mixed emotions as summer arrives! I am so excited for less schedule, running around, packing lunches, remembering notes and library books, etc! On the other hand not having any plan, the thought of being asked 500 times a day to play electronics, and how to juggle working/activities for the kiddos can send my anxiety levels through the roof! Today on the blog I will be sharing some activities, products, and systems we have put in place the last few summers.. that keep all of us smiling in to August! (commissioned links)
Systems/Routines
This is just one example of many ideas you can find with a quick pinterest search. Over the summers, our systems and routines have changed as our kids have gotten older. When they were younger I would create a checklist and place in a plastic pocket protector..they then had to check off each box with a dry erase marker as the completed items. Brushing teeth/getting dressed/etc. We also had a reward system in place to encourage cooperative and positive behavior. They each had a small glass jar and different colored rocks, they would get to place a rock inside the jar for completing the check list, cooperative behaviour, etc. When the jar was full they got to pick an activity to do with mom/dad and just them. As they have gotten older, I no longer need to create a check list but we do go over the expectations and routine for summer before it even begins!
Sharing with you a few of our tried and true finds, that our kids enjoy during the summer!
Trampoline with Enclosure Net!
I know they aren’t for everyone, butt we have had great luck with this one. It has provided hours of fun (and exercise) for our kids!
Add water to the base and prepare for hours of entertainment. This is also very portable..we pack it up and take it to my parents house and also camping!
Our kids love to play the game, younger kids have spend hours just playing with the “blocks”. Fun for all!
We also love to take advantage of the slower pace in the summer to spend time doing things we just can’t seem to fit in in the school year. Baking, playing games, and arts n crafts! One of our favorite activities is creating a Summer Bucket List! The kids love to include items as simple as visit a nearby park or Ice cream for dinner to more exciting items like going to Michigan Adventure or a day at Waterford Oaks!
Just a few more items, I thought I would share..these are our favorite workbooks, we have been using them for a few years now.
When all else fails..just make sure you have plenty of these….Flavor Ice
I also wanted to mention the cutest line of summer fun at Target, Summer Squad. This towel is just one of the many fun items..everything from glasses to sprinklers, check it out!
Hope this has helped and given you a few ideas for some Fun in the Sun! ~ Trisha
