14 April 2009

Mom, There's Nothing To Do!

During summer, my nieces and nephews come to our house and spend time running, endless time of playing, and doing some other stuff. Sometimes I get so irritated because I don't have the peace of mind that I need for myself.

So I tried to look for some ideas to help me cool from now til June. For parents out there, these tips might help your kids find learning activities this summer.


Backyard Fun

Kid Olympics: organize an afternoon of events for kids in the neighborhood - fastest backward walking, relay races, watermelon-seed-spitting contests. Award paper medallions or prizes to the winners.

Acting up: kinds can create their own characters and scripts, or put their own twist on a classic play or story. Check the attic for old clothes to use as costumes.

Talent night: is a great way for kids to show off their talents - singing, dancing, twirling a baton - for the whole neighborhood. Suggest selling paper bags full of popcorn for extra pocket change.

Sidewalk picassos: with a box of giant colored chalk, kids can draw their own masterpieces on the sidewalk or driveway. (They'll wash away with soap and water.)

Water wars: supply kids with some buckets and a garden hose, then stand back.

Fun for One

What's a kid to do when there's no one around to play with? How about...

Hunting: for four-leaf clovers in the backyard or nearby park.

Planting: a garden. Designate a special area in your garden just for your child, and make it her responsibility to nurture it.

Joining: your library's summer reading program.

Day Trips

The beach isn't the only spot for fun in the sun. Some other great one day getaways:
- The local petting zoo.
- A park for a special picnic lunch. Let the kids plan the menu.
- An amusement park.
- The fishing pond (for lesson in patience).

Party Time

It doesn't have to be someone's birthday to spark a celebration. Invent a holiday of your own.

Sibling's day: mark one day on the calendar this summer for your kids to honor each other. Bake a cake and help them think of gifts they can make. At the party, have each child tell what he or she values most about his or her siblings.

Stay-at-home camp: hang posters announcing which weekend you're going to turn the house into a camp. Design colorful brochures announcing camp activities, arts and crafts sessions, nature walks and adventures. Kick off the weekend with a special camp dinner. In the evenings, tell ghost stories and roast marshmallows over the outdoor grill. Let the kids sleep in a backyard tent.

Kid's day: get the whole neighborhood in on this one. Have each family set up their yard for an event or a game (ring toss, fishing pond, etc.) and have a progressive carnival Plan this at least a week in advance so everyone who's participating has plenty or time to get organized. Use flea-market finds as prizes, or agree to have parents give special gifts to their own children.

Read more about Learning Activities for your kids at Teacher's and Student's Corner.

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