15 Summer Boredom Busters

School ends this week and I’m already scrambling for things to do with my kiddos that do not involve screens – limiting tv/video games/computer time is the goal this summer. But its daunting. Here’s a list of some of the best things I’ve found to do in the past – PLEASE share any ideas you may have too!!

1.       Scavenger Hunts. These are great for kids learning to read and with energy to burn (which sums up my 6 year old!). And the beauty? You can make a new one on a regular basis. Outside you can choose nature items (a green leaf, a small twig, a purple flower, pink rock) or if its raining – make one for the house (a green piece of paper, a lego girl, blue crayon, and a napkin). You can even make one for the car to entertain while on errands (a red car, billboard, gas station, fire truck, moving van). These things are endless. Grab some “prizes” from the Target $1 bins and let them go!

2.       Make art! will fully admit that a lot of times, I do not allow paint out often. But its summer, do it outside! Get some canvases from the art store, washable fingerpaints and throw on the bathing suits (or just a diaper for the younger set) and let them go nuts. You’ll be amazed what they make. And what you’re left with to hang in your home – we did this before and I’ve had people ask where they can BUY prints from the artist hanging in the hallway. My six year old has “commissioned” works for people as a result! Best part? When you’re done – hose those kids down. They’ll think its hilarious.

3.       Playdoh. Yeah, it falls in with the same rules as paint most of the year, but again, it summer – take it outside. We all know what happens when we push the square shape into the playdoh, boring. But what if you press a stick in it? Or a funny shaped rock? Or a leaf? Encourage the kids to sculpt things they see, or things they don’t. Imagining far off adventures in the backyard is good for the soul!

4.       Wash your car. This serves two purposes: your car is clean and your kids are happily excited. For as long as I can recall, my son has loved washing cars. If you throw him a couple of bucks for helping, it teaches him to work for something – which I love!!! But beyond that, letting him play in the sudsy water, rub a big ‘ol messy sponge on the car, and let it (and him) get sprayed down with the hose is tons of fun. Our neighbors probably can’t figure out why I “obsess” about the car…but really I’m just entertaining the kid!

5.       Water your lawn. Same thing as the car. Set that sprinkler up and show those kids how its done. The sprinkler outranks the kiddy pool and slip and slide at our house. There’s something extra free about using your dad’s sprinkler to have the time of your life running around like a fool in the yard. You can twirl, roll, kick, and run with all your might – everything a kid likes to do. BONUS POINTS: put your insecurities or whatever away and get in that sprinkler. The kids will be talking about it for days. You’re making memories here people!

6.       Go to the library. It’s free people. Most libraries have summer reading programs (we’ve earned more silly little toys the last few summers!), this is great for many reasons. First, it keeps the kids entertained without breaking your bank. There is no shortage on entertainment in books. Secondly, it keeps their skills up for the school year. At some point they DO go back to school and it’d be nice if they remember SOME of what they learned the previous year. Lastly, you’re giving them a lifelong gift. Reading is power and reading is important to get where you want to be in life. Plant that seed young. Grab yourself a book, set the example. Create a cozy reading spot and time in the house for some daily quiet time for EVERYONE to enjoy.

7.       Google your city. Our city is full of things that are free for kids to check out. Art fairs, festivals, children’s concerts, park parties, story hours, and many other things. We wandered a free Civil War camp reenactment two years back and our six year old STILL talks about that and remembers things. Keep those little brains going!

 

8.       Go old school. Remember being a kid and playing games outside all day in the summers? We had limited options really, but kids now days aren’t as isolated. Remember back to being a kid and invite some friends over to join in some old school fun. Ever play kick the can? Capture the Flag? Red Rover? Hopscotch? Leap Frog? Duck Duck Goose? Red Light, Green Light? Mother May I? Simon Says? I bet most of your kids haven’t. Heck, reading that list, my kids don’t even know all of those. Show them how it’s done!

9.       Celebrate something silly. There’s a million places to find wacky holidays that really exist, so live it up. July 7 is ice cream cone day – make an ice cream bar! June 20 is juggling day. Give it whirl – just don’t get discouraged. July 19 is New Friends Day – head to the park with one goal in mind: MAKE A FRIEND! There’s plenty of sites to check out (here’s one example: http://www.squidoo.com/365holidays) but make any day special.

10.   Make summer bucket list. Sometimes, your kids are the best ones at coming up with things they want to do. And often times, they’ll shock you. Some goals my son has made in the past? Be able to ride his bike to Grandma’s house (she lives 1 mile away), learn to whistle, learn to snap his fingers, and see a bird’s nest. Really? I’m freaking out about how to afford 800 lessons, trips, play dates, and other things and THIS is what you want to do? I love it. We’ve done it all. I’m excited for this year’s list!

11.   Hit up the Farmer’s Market. Between the people watching and all of the new sights and smells, your kids will be entertained. You’ll be able to find some fresh fruits and veggies to fill their bellies too! AND they might just be more willing to eat it if they were a part of getting it. Worth a shot, right?

12.   Make fort. Indoors or outdoors, forts rock. You can read in there, play in there, draw pictures, take a nap, eat your lunch – and pretend all sorts of fantastic things. You’d be amazed how far a couple of chairs and a sheet can take your kids.

13.   Play board games. We love board games at our house but from what I’ve seen visiting friends some of that is getting lost. Makes me sad. Spruce up your collection. Our favorites include Phineas and Ferb, Sorry, Connect Four, ISpy, and Chutes and Ladders. Not only are the kid entertained but they’ll start talking. Again, the memories and relationship you’re building over a couple of dice is priceless.

14.   Bake something awesome. My son loves to flip through my cookbooks (usually the ones involving cakes or cookies) and picking out something to bake. He loves going to the store to carefully choose his ingredients, then puts on his apron and helps measure, stir, and prep everything. The oven is my domain, but he’s ready to share whatever he’s made and is always very proud to see his final work.

15.   Have a picnic. Go all out. Pack sandwiches, some light sides, desserts, and drinks. Spread out the blanket and enjoy an old fashioned picnic. Some menu ideas: turkey and cheese sandwiches, sunbutter sandwiches (I’m sure some of you can do peanut butter), crackers, grapes, apples, strawberries, popcorn, watermelon, cookies, and whatever other goodies your kids love. Change things up and keep them entertained.

There’s some things to get you started. Really, just use your imagination. Kids are simple. They want to have fun, they want to be a part of things, and they want to be with you. Notice I did not say anything about making time to check your facebook, email, words with friends, or whatever other silly games you play. Save that for nap time or bed time.

You’ve got three short, precious months to enjoy your kids at the ages they are. No second chances. Think outside the box, get a little crazy, and enjoy every last bit of it. And if you have other ideas – please share!! I gotta get through a whole summer too!!!

The end of Kindergarten hurts more

I do believe, that the end of kindergarten may be harder than the start of kindergarten.

On the first day, he looked so small. So scared. And so alone. I was worried if he’d get lost, miss me, have any friends, feel scared, or just get lost in the shuffle. I worried that the teacher would not look at him and see the amazing child I had presented to the school but just another face.

As the year progressed, I was clearly wrong. The teacher saw that amazing child. Underneath the hyperactivity that often found him out of his seat and on “the stoplight”. His amazing vocabulary and outgoing personality that manifested its way into many classroom disruptions and talking out of turn. And his level of excitement to be there and desire to learn everything which often appeared as impulsive blurting. There were hands to yourself issues, still are. We’re working on appropriate responses in situations where put downs or shoves have been hurled his way. He’s a boy. He’s six. He’ll get it. It’s still frustrating.

But, through it all, I believe the teacher was able to see what I’ve seen since the first time I met my son 6 years ago – he is brilliant. And smart and most certainly headed places. She stuck by his side and that of me and his father through this year. Offering lessons of both academic and life value to him. Offering counsel and encouragement to two tired parents. But ultimately, becoming a part of his “Team”. A part of our team.

And now the year is coming to an end. And his spot in room 302 will no longer be his. The team we have built and worked with will change. And the person we have grown to trust and love with one of the most important people in our lives will shift her attention to new little spirits needing guidance. With his food allergies on top of everything else, we have trusted his life in her hands and she’s been as vigilant as we would have been.

The last day of kindergarten is the hardest because he is not my little guy anymore. He’s a “grader”. An old pro at school, no longer my sweet little child exploring what the big kids do. And we’re left facing a new worry and reality about the new school year and the new teacher, longing to bring this year’s teacher along to first grade for our comfort.

I’ve already cried more at the end than I did at the start. I’m proud of what my son accomplished. I’m proud of where he going. I’m thankful for an amazing teacher who has become such a profound influence on him and supportive cheerleader for me along the way.

Summer vacation isn’t just about kids getting a break. It’s for mothers to come to terms with their children getting older and prepare for embracing their new teammate come fall.

Thank you Mrs. Y. My son is a better kid and will be a better man for all you’ve done and endured this school year.