Summer Time Fun Time

 

 

 

We as parents dread that month that creeps up on us faster then we hope. We can't help that it comes around- JUNE! Though it brings great beach weather, traveling adventures and summer time fun for some families, those who have to work have to find things to keep their family occupied. 1stClassLadies are MOTHERS FIRST and know all too well how important it is to keep our little ones busy because if you don't the television and video games will become their best friend and we don't need that. Here are a few ideas to think about when trying to make this summer not only fun for them but convenient and safe for you.

To send to camp or not to send to camp; that is the question. Camp is a lot of parents first choice when it comes to keeping their mini ones busy for the summer. Its filled with activities, meals, safe staff and a friendly environment where children are usually surrounded by other children they know. The problem for most is camp is expensive. 85% of the people 1stClassLadies spoke with stated that camp is not an affordable option for them. So what do you do when you would like your child to have a camp option and not struggle to get it? For starters do your research! There are always free or low income camps available. Camps that go according to what you make and will not try to take you for everything you are worth. Start your search early. Do not wait until May to decide now is the time to plan your child's summer. Beginning of Spring seems to be when the summer plan should begin as that is when summer camp posting start to become available. You can also sign up to get alerts for when things become open to apply without missing out. If the more expensive camps is something you really want to invest in look into camps that offer payment plans so you do not have to provide all the money at once. If it is a camp that does not have that option start setting aside funds a little at a time to save up so it doesn't seem as though your pockets are really suffering.

Create their own camp. You can place your child in different activities for the summer which will keep them busy just like a camp but a different more independent setting. For example, on two days out the week provide two sports/activities for them to do and then  on another two other days provide two different sports/activities. Let one of the days be for them to do something of their own choice so they feel like they have some say in what their summer will be like. Just like camp there are free or  affordable options available in all communities. From swim lessons to basketball, ranging from your youngest child to your oldest. There is something for everyone girl or boy- no one is left behind.  Make sure to find family time within those other two days. Though our job is what pays the bills you HAVE to make time for the ones in it. The last thing you want is for them to drift too far away to the point that you have no idea what is going on in their life.
 

Summer time doesn't stop the educational flow. Within all that fun make sure that they find time to keep the brain wheels running. Set time aside for education especially the younger ones as their mind does not retain information as well as older children if it is not reiterated to them on a constant basis. School work doesn't have to be boring and does not have drag. You can spice it up by utilizing flash cards and make it a matching game for either one on one or a family game. With the newer technology we are fortunate to have today, there are computer and game systems that offer educational activities for the young. Setting a schedule rather then just springing work on them helps them to keep balance and not be upset when it is time to get down to school business. They know what time of the day or which days they have to refresh their minds so it comes as no shock when you tell them pull out their books. Within refreshing what they already know, include things they will learn in the upcoming school year so that they are a bit more ahead of the game and know what to expect when working into the classroom come September. A child is only as prepared as a parent makes them. Though it is the teacher's job to teach, it is your job as the parent to make sure what they learn is heard, understood and retained.

 

A little relaxation never hurt. You want to keep you babies busy and out of trouble but there is nothing wrong with letting them relax a bit. It is ok to allow them to have a lazy day. One day every now in again to just sit around and do nothing hurts anyone if anything it helps. Just like you through all the working, errands and running around you need a moment and so do they.

 

Safety measures is a must. No matter what you decide to allow them to get into this summer , make sure they are safe and so is there environment. Provide sun block if heading into the sun as the younger the child, the worse the sun is for them. Also provide them with shades and a hat to keep them away from high UV rays. For younger children that are going to be away from you on outing with camps or groups provide them with information if they God forbid get separated from the group. They should know their full name, a contact number and even their address. Children that are too young to retain that information should have it in their bags or on their persons. Older children probably have a phone and should without a doubt KNOW the basic information. When out with family make sure wherever you go there is a meet up spot if separated, set rules into play (i.e. no running by the pool, if you are allowing them to stay home don't let anyone in, etc.) and make sure to have fun!