The first few days, or weeks, of summer vacation are what your children likely look forward to all year. No early mornings, no hours at school or daycare, and no homework. However, as the summer goes on you may find your kids, and yourself, getting a little stir crazy. Check out some of these ways you can make the most of your summer with a little structure!
Take Advantage of the Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun and play in the water as much as possible. For many children, exploring the outdoors is a highlight of their day! Encouraging your child to play outside at least once a day is a great way to not only support healthy exercise, but also channel that youthful energy into something productive outside of their normal school or daycare routine.
Create a Chore Chart
Depending on the age of your child, summertime is the perfect time to introduce chore charts and let your child help around the house in ways they may not be able to during the school year. Starting off with age-appropriate chores (setting the dinner table, sweeping the kitchen, watering flowers, etc.) provides great structure in your child’s day and encourages lifelong habits. Creating this type of structure during the summer also makes it much easier to transition these habits into the school year.
Get Crafty
What better way to keep you and your children occupied during the summer months than with a few homemade crafts? Younger children are likely used to being a bit artistic at daycare or school, and continuing these activities through the summer is a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression.
Get Out and About
A good way to add versatility and fun into your summer is to make an effort to go on at least one outing per week. Whether it’s a trip to the zoo, a beach day, a mini vacation, or even just a drive to a friend’s, getting out of the house once in a while will add some variety to your week!
Heaven’s Elect Christian Learning Center is a Non-denominational Christian childcare center fully licensed by the state of Michigan. Our Midland childcare center has been serving the community since 2000. Please contact us at heavenselect.com.
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