We unofficially kickoff summer on Memorial Day! With that in mind, hopefully you'll find the below tips handy--have a terrific summer!
Top 8 Tips for No-Stress Summer Fun
By Robin McClure, About.com
1. Plan Ahead for Summer Activities
Summer fun activities and an endless array of sports, dance, activity and academic camps are available in most communities. However, parents need to keep in mind that advance planning is key to getting in, as many of the most popular activities fill up quickly. Check with your city recreation departments, school districts, local attractions and libraries for starters to find out what the offerings are and what costs may be involved. Ask your kids what they really want to do with their time ... both for individual enrichment and as a family. Then don't wait; sign up while you still can!
2. Create A Budget and Stick With It
A big stress for families over the summer months is spending too much money. After all, costs for entertainment, food, travel, and even admissions to local swimming facilities can really add up. Parents should budget their summer fun dollars, and then advise kids (as age appropriate) that there is so much money for activities. Of course, with a little creativity and searching, you might be delighted in how many activities can be enjoyed for free!
3. Don't Overschedule Kids During Summer
Camps and special interest activities are wonderful, but beware of overplanning your kids' days over the summer. If a parent is home, sometimes sleeping in, taking a walk around the block, planning a bike ride or watching a movie together can be more enjoyable then rushing around getting from Point A to Point B and on the "go, go, go" all the time.
4. Consider 'No-Plan' Times
Keep an organized calendar that lets family members easily reference plans (such as swimming lessons or basketball camp). On that same calendar, schedule in some "not-to-be scheduled time." And stick with it. Part of summer's fun is to have cookouts, unstructured reading, etc., and block regular times out on the calendar that are dedicated to family only. Let your kids be bored (they will absolutely find something to do), and take a deep breath and just relax!
5. Set Limits for Neighbor Kid Play
Of course, you want the neighborhood kids to come over and play with your children. Kids can spend hours together having backyard adventures and enjoying either others' friendships. However, be careful to avoid feeling taken advantage of and feeling that you are feeding all the neighbor kids or responsible for their entertainment and overall happiness on a daily basis. Arrange playdates where you alternate whose house kids play at or make other mutually agreeable days where kids can play. Set expectations with your own kids in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.
6. Keep Food Choices Simple and Light
Parents sometimes fall in the trap of too-much takeout and fast food, and overlook the scrumptious and health offerings that come with summer. Load up on sandwich meats, fruits, vegetables, yogurt and healthy snacks and grill outdoors whenever possible. Summer presents a good time to encourage healthy-eating vs. calorie-laden snacks. And, while you're at it, use summer picnics and laid-back fun to encourage the learning of proper eating etiquette and table manners!
7. Keep Safety on Top of List
The lazy, long days are summer create the opportunity to let your guard down. But tot safety must be kept as a high priority at all times. Summer fun means outdoor adventures, swimming, and explorations, which can also mean opportunities for sunburn, heat exhaustion, drowning, Lyme disease, and ozone alerts if you're not careful. Be sure that all elements are considered before heading outdoors or on vacation!
8. Don't Use Just Any Babysitter
Lots of high school and college-age kids are available for babysitting jobs in the summer, but that doesn't mean they are qualified or right for the job. Before you entrust anyone with your kids, be sure to check out references and make sure that a potential babysitter really likes to be with kids and isn't just looking for easy money. Summer days can be long and present opportunities for health and safety concerns if kids aren't supervised and cared for with a loving heart and attentive eye.
