Tag: summer

Summer Activities for Stay at Home Kids – What is worth the price and hassle?

This summer marks the first time I have both of my littles (almost 3 and almost 5) home with me all summer. I was worried we wouldn’t have enough to do, so I followed the lead of many stay-at-home moms from their school and signed them up for summer camps, pool passes, and memberships. However, I’m not exactly a full-time stay-at-home mom. While I do stay home, I also work 1 to 3 hours a day.

Many stay-at-home moms seem to believe their kids need to be busy every day, but I’ve found that this often stems from their own need for mental engagement. Here’s what I’ve learned about kids’ activities this summer:

Swim Lessons vs. Pool Passes
Swim lessons haven’t been useful for my two sons, both of whom are afraid of water. On the other hand, pool passes have been more beneficial. The time spent at the pool is making them more comfortable with water. Once they overcome their fear, swim lessons might become more effective.

Memberships: Hit and Miss
Zoo Membership: Our local zoo is tiny and takes about an hour to get through. Honestly, we have more fun at the local park.
Living History Farms: Unless there’s an event, it’s not worth visiting.
Science Center: This membership is fantastic. My kids love exploring the different sections and never seem to tire of it. It’s perfect for cold, rainy, or hot days year-round.

Summer Camps
The one camp we tried was awesome. While camps are expensive, we might do another one next year, possibly a science center camp. However, I don’t see myself doing more than one or two camps per summer at this age. My kids can have fun in the backyard with a sprinkler or at a park.

Here are a few considerations:

Time with Friends: They need social interaction. I’m willing to pay for activities like summer camp if it means they can see their friends.
Time at the Pool: While I find the pool annoying and crowded, I think learning to swim is important. My goal is to get them comfortable through exposure, then we’ll consider lessons again next year.
Down Time: Kids don’t need to be busy all the time. Over-scheduling can be a waste of money and may do more harm than good.

Finding the right balance of activities is crucial. Not every activity needs to be structured or expensive. Sometimes, the simplest activities bring the most joy and benefit to our children. As parents, we need to recognize that downtime is just as important as planned activities, allowing our kids to grow, learn, and enjoy their summer. As long as we can make times with their friends, that is really all they truly need over the summer.

Embracing Summer Break: Ideas for Staying Sane with Young Kids at Home

We’re three days into my boys’ summer break from preschool, and so far, it’s been delightful. Ask me again in 14 weeks, and I might be pulling my hair out, but for now, the slow mornings and long walks are a welcome change. Here are some strategies I’m using to help us maintain our sanity throughout the summer:

Maintaining Our Morning Routine
We follow the same morning routine as during the school year. I let the boys sleep in if they’re tired, and our bedtime has shifted slightly later. However, once they wake up, we go through the same motions at a more relaxed pace. They get up, get dressed, comb their hair, brush their teeth, and then we head downstairs for breakfast. Afterward, instead of rushing to school, they enjoy a little TV time while I tackle the most demanding part of my workday.

Extended Morning Walks
I usually take a 10-minute walk every morning before work, but with no need to spend 30 minutes in the car, we now extend our walk time. We head out after I complete some hard work tasks and it is a great change of pace. These walks are a great opportunity for us to chat and enjoy the morning sun together.

Daily Outings
Every day, we make sure to get out of the house, even if it’s just a quick trip to the store. It’s important for all of us to see different faces and get a change of scenery.

Scheduled Playdates
I’ve set up playdates with other kids from school. This not only helps the boys stay connected with their friends but also gives them a chance to burn off some energy.

Lots of Outside Time
Our backyard is fenced, so I’m comfortable letting my almost 3 and almost 5-year-old play outside on their own. This gives me a chance to do some light work in the afternoon while they enjoy the playset, sandbox, garden, and even the recent puddles from the rain. They often continue playing while I make dinner. I wonder if they’ll eventually tire of the backyard, but for now, they are content for long periods.

I cherish this time together and hope that we continue to enjoy the next 13.5 weeks as much as we’ve enjoyed the first three days. This summer, I’m embracing the slower pace and finding joy in the simple moments. Whether it’s sticking to our morning routine, extending our walks, or making sure we get out of the house, these small strategies are helping us make the most of our summer break.