We are quickly approaching the end of the year, and I, for one, am so very relieved to be done with the crazy, hectic nature of the school year! Come on, summer, let’s get this party started! By party, I mean a large amount of family, gymnastics, water, and general shenanigan time without expectations of rigid bedtimes or early wakeups!
Here are some items that are fun to have for a creative, engaging summer with the kiddos:
First: Water, lots of water!
You are set if you have a pool or access to a pool! If you don’t (and we sadly do not), you might need to get a little creative in the old-fashioned way: A sprinkler.
It doesn’t have to be fancy with a blow-up splash pad, slip and slide, or wading pool combo. A hose dangling from a tree branch works just as well. Whatever you have access to or funds for, get that water flowing and the kids running through it! If you want to add a little excitement to the party, you can get an old toddler slide to the hose, and you have a water slide that keeps the kids entertained for hours. Another fun addition to the sprinkler magic is a bubble maker! These are not super expensive, and though they go through bubble fluid like a toddler through a juice box, the sheer delight for the kids is worth it.
Secondly: Art Supplies
We’d love to say that kids must be outside more than inside during these wonderful summer days, but it just gets too hot, and I don’t want to be miserable outside either. So, during the hottest part of the day, you need something for the kids to do indoors or in the shade!
We have a carport, and our kiddos adore using chalk paint and crayons to draw and create challenges for each other. When inside, there is nothing like a set of acrylic markers, acrylic paint, and brushes to entertain my little ones for at least an hour. My eldest is also undergoing a polymer clay period, so we have some 3D designing happening now! I’ll be excited to see what she makes when she gets the time to work on it.
I firmly believe that there is nothing better than fiber arts for our kids, and, though they don’t know it yet, this will be a summer to lace! I will teach my four-year-old and reintroduce my nine-year-old to bobbin lace! I’m sure they will love it…
Lastly: Boredom
I remember reading at various times in my parenthood that it is vital for your children to be bored occasionally and have no scheduled activities or access to technology! Whether or not this is real, I like the theory, so I let my children know it’s time for them to figure out what to do. They will come whining about boredom, not knowing what to do, and begging for their tablets. My answer is usually, “You can find something. Love you!” Then I walk away and entertain myself with bobbin lace. They may decide that bobbin lace is a fantastic boredom buster, but they may choose Barbies or Calico Critters, and I wouldn’t blame them a bit!
So, here we are! Let’s get ready and let’s get going. Summer is the best time for family, fun, and an unscheduled, chaotic, fantastically beautiful break!
