#fun tps

You have waited patiently through winter - through the battles with snowpants and  mittens and snow boots - all the time longing and wishing summer were here. And now it is !!! Your children are home and possibly awake, alert and energetic for 18 hours a day at least :) Some of you will may be more used to this than others and know to  go with the flow...but here are some ideas to help make the 86 days of summer vacation happy and fun. 

1. Boredom is GOOD - in fact GREAT! Here’s a link as to why !

https://qz.com/704723/to-be-more-self-reliant-children-need-boring-summers/

2.Gardening is a great way to support gross motor needs in a purposeful way. Children learn so much from caring for plants and all the while burnong their energy. 

https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/summer-gardening-with-kids-2/

3. Outdoor Art - always fun because of the promise and potential for messes!

https://artfulparent.com/21-outdoor-art-ideas-for-kids/

4. Cooking with your child - This is a no-brainer if you are okay with letting go :)

https://twohealthykitchens.com/favorite-summer-recipes-for-kids/

In fact let your child / children organize a party for a few friends - let them plan and make the food and plan the activities...you may be amazed. Always ensure you have clearly stated expectations of safety, respect and courtesy before you do this.

5.Reading with your child - never ever underestimate the value of this...nothing like a a little reading together to calm bodies into transitions, especially during mid-day and evening times. Read to them your favorite books growing up - and then on occasion (if your child is a reader) ask them to read to you to help YOU rest and decompress. 

6. Keeping a journal - a pictoral journal or a written one depending on your child. - one thought a day is enough - if they have more, don’t stop them. Encourage them to mentally go throughtheir day - assist the younger ones with “What happened next?” and then ask them to pick a highlight. At the end of week, spend some unrushed time looking at the week gone by and choose a moment that can mark a week. This is a great way to help children understand the passae of time. 

7. Connect to the community - maybe take a bunch of flowers/ flower arrangement on a fixed day to an elderly/ailing neighbor. Let your child make them a card or artwork. Let them offer to read to them if they can . Children are incredibly empathetic and only need the gentlest of nudges to help and look beyond themselves.