Summer vacation is here and the kids are already singing "I'm bored" in dissonant harmonies. Their loud haunting wailings are enough to drive parents nutty, at the very least and may even have the neighborhood dogs howling at their pitiful cries. My kids are grown now and the house is much quieter, but I still remember what it was like. So, here are some proven tips from our family that kept both kids and parents sane.
Picnics While this may seem almost like a cop out, kids really do enjoy picnics and even if you are in the middle of your workday, it is a good break for all of you. Food always tastes better eaten outside in out of the ordinary places, so under a tree in the back yard works just fine. Use an old sheet rather than a blanket, pine needles and leaves don't get caught up in the fabric as much making for an easy and quick clean up. If it is too hot outside or stormy, have the kids build a tent in the living room and eat there. A rocking chair pushed straight forward to the floor makes a great tent anchor and cubby to read in. Let them keep the tent up for a few hours...it doesn't take long to fold everything up and the kids will love the change in routine.
Games by Lantern or Candlelight If it was a really stormy day we would get out a few candles and play a game by candlelight safely away from all the thunder and lightning. In the event of a severe storm, the game could be moved to a safe inside room like a bathroom or roomy closet. The game keeps the kids' minds off of the storm. Something so simple as this may keep a storm anxious child calm. Just make sure candles are safely enclosed and not near papers and other flammables.
Paper Plate/Puppet Shows Kids are hams and have vivid imaginations. We would give them many paper plates, and popsicle sticks. They would make up a story, color it out on the paper plates and tape the sticks to the backs of the plates. When it was showtime we sat in the living room and the kids dazzled us with their animated story telling skills from behind a piano bench draped with a cloth. I will never forget those shows. I never thought then that one of our daughters would grow up to be a professional artist.
Mall Trips This was a highlight and fairly regular event in the summer at our house. We lived on a busline and only had one car at the time so it was even more of an adventure for the kids. The food courts at most malls are inexpensive and after eating we'd make the rounds of the stores. The kids were not allowed to say "I want", but rather "I wish I had", and then only for something they really, really wanted. We established upfront this was a field trip and we were not coming home with anything that day. Keep an index card within easy reach and note if your child has a specific interest as they are wishing. Jot those things down and you have a start on birthday and Christmas lists.
"Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Set up some of the games based on the hit TV show. You can look around the house for props and see how creative you can all be demonstrating a different use for the item than its original use. Still our grown kids love the game which we give a scene idea (running into your first grade teacher at the pool) and everything said has to be in the form of a question. You will make great memories and laugh a lot.
Workbooks You can find inexpensive workbooks based on school work that will keep your kids up to speed for the dreaded day school starts. In a pinch, make your own or check online to find worksheets you can print out for home use.
Vacation Bible School Check with a church in your neighborhood to see if they have a VBS scheduled. Your kids will have structured activities for about 3 hours, meet up with their friends and be reminded that there is a God that loves them.
The Neighborhood Pool Take a cooler of grapes and water and plan for an afternoon of fun and great exercise. Don't forget the sunscreen!
I hope this article has given you some good ideas for making memories with your kids. If, after all this, the kids are still singing their sad, pitiful song there is one thing that ALWAYS made my kids dig out something to entertain themselves. Just these few words and my kids came up with their own entertainment..."Since you are bored I have a job for you to do..."
Enjoy the next few weeks! School will be starting before you know it.
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