Schools is out---engaging young minds

School is out for the summer!  I am excited to have more time with my kids but at the same time I know it can be quite a disaster if they don't continue to have a structured schedule.  It is important that even in the summer kids contnue to learn and have some structure. Many studies have documented  that kids experience a "summer slide" in which kids do not engage their minds enough during summer break.
There are some activities that can keeps kids engaged.  I like to take my kids on lots of mini vacations just for a day, or a long weekend.  I take them to historical sites, learning centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, nature parks.  This is a great way to have fun while still learning.
Cooking and baking with kids is a great way to keep minds engaged while having fun trying new recipes.  Rice crispie treats are easy, fun to make, and tasty.  It is easy to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nerds, gummie bears or any favorite topping.
Today we went to the craft store and bought clay.  We came home and spent almost 2 hours making clay objects and baking them in the oven.  We made a small bowl and cute little ceramic animals.
In the summer, I make sure the kids have alot of outdoor time, swimming, playing games, and staying active.  I also make sure we spend at least 30 minutes a day reading. 

These are just a few ideas to keep your children engaged throughout the summer. Good Luck and  have fun!
Steph

Summer Vacation - Packing Tips

Summer's finally here and loving it. Particularly after such a brutal winter. I am actually taking a summer vacation at Cape Cod. Only for 5 days since I can't get that much time off work and my 6 year old is in summer camp. But I'll take 5 days.

This weekend I've spent preparing for the trip. Doing laundry, cleaning and starting to pack. I'll need this vacation from the work involved in preparing for this vacation. I'm exhausted.

I want to be sure I'm prepared for everything so I'm packing toys, books, sunscreen, beach and pool toys, and sweatshirts just in case we get chilly nights.

Last year my mother came with us and she brought a box of random household items like a nightlight, Lysol spray, a flashlight, batteries, and other stuff. I thought she was crazy but guess what? We used almost everything she brought. So if you're driving, pack a little box of household items. You never know and it's best to be prepared.

I let the kids pack a bag of toys which I keep in reach for them in the car so they have stuff to play with on the way and toys to play with when we get there. I also have a portable auto DVD player so I'll let them each pick out a couple movies to take.

I also came across this great article, "Working Mom Summer Survival Tips" from Working Mom on what you should keep in your car all summer to be prepared for spontaneous fun and it's a great checklist for the roadtrip vacation plus other tips on what to stock up on at home.

Next up, cleaning the car and start loading it up.

Jan

Summer Goals

Now that summer is underway, it is a good time to set summer goals. Setting goals is a good way to keep yourself in check and use to accomplish things, big and small that you want to achieve. It becomes so easy to fall into a rut and not get around to those things that you want to do but don't seem to find time for or put off and put off doing and suddenly months go by and years go by and you have not achieved the things you want. Setting a list of goals keeps you in tune and aware of what you want to accomplish.

I always include a mix of goals, big and small. Easy goals are great to include since it will give you a sense of accomplishment and getting through the small stuff frees you up to get to the big stuff. Harder goals are good to include even if you know you won't achieve it in two months including it anyway will keep it in check and you can include steps to take to get there. This could be career goals, home improvement goals, excercise or weight loss. Whatever it is, be sure to set your big goal and include 5 steps you will take by the end of the summer to get closer to that big goal. If you don't start doing something, you will never get there.

Since it's summer, it's also great to include some summer fun. Go swimming or go to the beach every weekend. Read a fun book. Go on a bike ride. Maybe even throw in something adventurous like skydiving or rock climbing. Participate in a charity run. Maybe you've always wanted to go cliff diving, do it.

Spending time with the kids having fun is a great summer goal. I like to include general goals but it's always good to be specific so you can check it off and be sure you do spend fun time with the kids. Take the kids to a carnival. Take the kids to the zoo. Roast marshmellows. Read a different book together every night.

Spend five minutes and jot down your goals. I have a notebook that I use and date with each list. That makes it easy to review my goals and check them off.

Have fun achieving great things this summer.

Jan