FUN IDEAS FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER (FOR BONDING TOO)

Summer holiday is here again and there are three words that a mom quickly becomes familiar with – “Mummy, I’m bored!” Sorry if you thought it was the commonly acclaimed I LOVE YOU. There really is nothing romantic about being stuck at home with little ones for two and a half months!

Every parent dreads the long break because quite frankly, an adult needs some adult space but they are left with no choice but to be hovered by these little agents of constant-seeking-fun. It is intense. From wanting to snack every hour, revamping every corner of the house, to devising means to elope with the remote control, a parent with very good intentions could start to consider putting up their child for adoption.

I have never found more sense in the quote, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” as much as I did last summer. What do I imply? Plan. Plan. And plan. We know these minions are ever demanding, so beat them to their tactics by having a fully laid out plan of daily activities. See UNICEF’S 50 fun ideas here: https://unicefkidpower.org/summer-activities-kids/

Another way to keep kids engaged this summer would be by actually engaging them in conversation. Your goal should be to write out topics to discuss daily. We live in a very fast-paced world and the advent of social media has succeeded in snatching our focus from the very important things like quality time with loved ones. Strive to use this period to really give undivided attention to your little ones and talk about the most random and weirdest things they can imagine. This assures them of love within the home front and it helps to boost confidence in your growing child’s mind.  Wouldn’t you love to know what goes on in their brains sometimes? Sit with them, ask questions and let them ask you questions.

It is important to note that no matter how meticulously you plan, life always happens and you just might find it difficult to stick with your brief. However, not planning at all would be a greater horror. Have it in mind that your goal this summer is FUN and BONDING. And as an advantage, much fun for the kids often leads to fatigue and once that sets in, naptimes would be easier. If you can succeed in wearing them out by mid-day, you would have succeeded in buying yourself some me-time – WIN-WIN! Give these ideas a try and always remember, they never stay little forever.

 

Tamara Ajasa is a freelance writer with Upwork. She loves to read but mostly loves to wear her superhero cape for the four little children that call her MOM.