Let's face it -- summer was invented for kids to enjoy.
They can run around in their shorts and tank tops, their swimsuits, play
in the kiddy pool, dash across the sprinkler. Warm weather, sun, and
freedom spell s-u-m-m-e-r to children. But after about two weeks of no
school or classmates, with less structure in their days, some kids begin
to complain, "There's nothing to do!" You can't fault the children, not
really. When you anticipate something so much as they yearn for the end
of the school year, it's bound to be a little disappointing when the
actual event isn't as magical as one had hoped. When you see children
slumping around the living room or den in front of a soap opera, and the
weather outside is sunny and eighty degrees, it's time for drastic
action!
Impromptu Picnic: The backyard is as good a place as any. Call it
a pig roast and cook hot dogs on the grill. Let your children invite
their friends over. Roast marshmallows, blare their favorite "pop" music
over the radio. Make your house the magnet for your children's friends.
They'll go home and tell their parents, "There's always something
happening at the Smith house. How come we never do anything fun?"
Summertime Fun Party
Barbie Resort: Fill the kiddy pool, bring out the
plastic boats, Barbie camper, any other Barbie paraphernalia, and watch
the kids spend hours perfecting the resort. Make little tents of scrap
cloth or hand towels, and play Survivor.
Barbie Party
Army Boot Camp: For your boys, this one's on the
same theme as Barbie Resort, except they use their trucks, tanks, G.I.
Joes, etc.
Safari Hike: Pack a lunch, go to a large park or
national forest, and have an adventure beneath the trees. Spend at least
an hour examining leaves, fungi, moss, and other finds. Encourage the
children to collect interesting things to take home and identify.
Safari Party
Clubhouse: Build a clubhouse in the yard or a
tree. Use old sheets or blankets and hang them over tree limbs. Find
some friends who want to learn a new craft. Get together and make nature
crafts to decorate the clubhouse.
Mickey's Clubhouse Kits
Trip to a Lake (or Seashore): A change in scenery
can be a tonic. If you live by the ocean, coordinate a shell expedition.
Your children can wade to mid-calf. Just make sure to keep a vigilant
eye on them every moment.
Berry Farm: Find out where there is a strawberry,
blackberry or raspberry farm, and take the children berry-picking. Make
strawberry shortcake and homemade freezer jam when you return home. Let
the kids help by smashing the strawberries for jam in a large bowl with
the potato masher.
Stephania Munson
For Safety at Night use Glow Lights
Glow Lite Ropes
Lightsticks
Glow Novelties
Blinking Party Items
It's Never Too Late to Have a
Happy Childhood
Mix Kool-aid with
your sparkling water.
Take Flintstone
vitamins instead of Geritol.
Have S’mores instead
of cocktails.
Run after an ice
cream truck.
Hope Publications
