How to Enjoy Summer Break with Your Kids

Although parents adore their children, summer break can feel like more of a chore than an exciting vacation. While kids count down the months, weeks, and days ’til they are free from school, many parents dread having to deal with the fighting, whining, and boredom that is sure to make an appearance during the break.

Transitioning into summer break smoothly can help create a fun, enjoyable break for all people involved, thus here are a few tips on how to enjoy summer break as a family:

Entertainment Rewards

While many parents do not want their children to spend their whole summer playing video games or watching mindless TV, most kids are fascinated by both options. Instead of allowing them to have free reign over Directv’s package options or the Xbox, consider making it a reward.

For instance, for every sixty minutes they spend doing chores, yard work, or reading a book, consider giving them thirty minutes of TV or video game time. Not only does it help build responsibility, as they have to earn their entertainment rewards, it also helps them work towards a goal, which will help to keep the complaints at bay. Plus, it also helps expand their horizons, as they have to do something educational or laborious to enjoy their entertainment.

Play Dates

As much as children look forward to not having to go to school everyday, they do not realize that they will miss seeing their friends. While the lessons and homework might be boring, getting to spend time at recess playing with their friends everyday is a nice perk. Thus, try to plan as many play dates as possible.

Consider calling the other parents and working out a schedule where you can all trade off days where you watch the kids. This gives you a couple days a month with a few free hours away from your kids.

Activities

In the summer, many libraries, museums, and other kid-friendly stores or places have fun activities for kids. Many libraries have story days or movie days where kids can come in and listen to a story, do a craft, or watch a movie. Many children’s museums often have hands-on exhibits where kids can learn about educational things, including art, music, science, and history. Plus, these museums often have discounted summer pricing.

Or, if your child is interested in something in particular, consider signing them up for camp, such as space camp, science camp, or some sort of sports camp. Or, look into a more traditional summer camp where they can spend a few days with kids their own age down at the beach or in the mountains.

Find a Routine

For many kids, routine is key. Establishing a summer routine can help your kids be more responsible, stay on track, and maintain some semblance of order. It can help keep you sane and keep them from whining about being bored or not having anything to do.

With summer break right around the corner, these easy tips can help everyone have an enjoyable break.