Summer can bring challenges for parents and for children. Here are some ideas to help keep you and your family active as well as fill your summer-time season with memories that will last a lifetime. After all, memories are one thing that no one can take away from you. You will have them forever. Why not create good ones!
· Find a local FREE concert in the park or movie "under the stars". Bring a blanket and some healthy snacks with you to enjoy.
· Plan a trip to the zoo...no matter how old you are. Penguins and giraffe and monkeys are adorable no matter what age you are.
· Plan a neighborhood barbecue. Make it easy...have everyone bring their favorite summer dessert or appetizer.
· Create a new neighborhood tradition like a Friday night get together at whose ever house has the Tiki Torch in front of it. Pass it around to other neighbors. (Sorry neighbors of mine, I felt compelled to share this with the world.)
· Challenge each one of your children to plan a Saturday excursion for the family. They can use the local newspaper, the town website or talking to other families to find out what they do. Give them a monetary limit or time limit on the activity to keep it under control.
· Create a family project for the summer. One summer my family and I turned our garage into an art studio. My husband and I asked each of our girls (about 7 and 10 at the time) to find an artist they liked and attempt recreating one of their works. Then the family (including the dog) created an additional piece of artwork that we now hang over our fireplace. Fond memories come back every time we look at what we created as a family. It has so much more meaning than something we would have just purchased at the store...and more fun too.
· Try something you have never done before. My family and I just went zip lining for the first time outside of Austin, TX. Amazing experience. If you don't find yourself to be that adventurous, try learning a language as a family, or learning how to make pottery.
· If you have children that still need that structure, ask them to create a list of household chores they would like to be responsible for over the summer. Add some other items to the list to be sure you get things done that you need assistance with as well. They may actually thank you for it. It helps them to plan their day and gives them goals to accomplish every day.
I hope you have found at least one idea that sparks your interest. I would enjoy getting feedback on any of the ideas you have tried or ones that you have created on your own. Stay well and remember it helps to look at this From The Positive Perspective.......
