Summer is upon us. I absolutely adore summer, but as a work from home mom I approach the break with a bit if trepidation. I want it to be fun and magical, but I know the reality might be a whole lot closer to frustrating and mundane. On a tight family budget, we don't have a bunch of extravagant plans. I came up with a list of things that are sure to enrich our summer without breaking the bank. These ideas are free and dead simple. They are thoughts on how to make these weeks off less stressful and more fun. I started writing this list as a reminder to myself, but I thought I'd publish it here in case it helps anyone else out!
2. Hit Up The Library - Summer just isn't summer without huge stacks of books. Max out that library card and take advantage of any fun activities your local library might host. Plus, on a day when weather is icky, a visit to the library can turn into a really fun and free outing.
3. Rotate Toys - You don't have to buy new toys you just have change which ones are on display. I am always so surprised at how well this works. When everyone starts bouncing off the walls try tidying up and swapping out the toys. Trust me, it's totally worth the effort.
4. Play Park Bingo - It's easy to get in an activity rut. You head to the same park each week and soon the whole experience can feel stale. Make a list of local parks or outdoor spaces (playgrounds are not required) and see how many different ones you can visit.
5. Socialize - Do your best to set up playdates. With older kids you may even be able to take turns dropping off, buying parents a much needed break. But if you enjoy your kid's friend's parents a playdate is a chance for everybody to have fun. Don't worry about having the house clean or serving the perfect snack, just get everyone together!
6. Make (Upcycled) Art - Contrary to what you might see on Pinterest, arts and crafts don't require an obscene amount of expensive supplies. Let the kids at the recycling bin armed with nothing but scissors and glue. Hate the mess that comes with most creative endeavors? Take it outside and follow up with tip number 7.
7. Just Add Water - Nothing rights a day gone wrong like water. Get in and around water as often as possible. Visit a pool, beach, or local splash pad. Tramp through a creek, run through the sprinklers, or splash in the tub. I've noticed that this trick doesn't just cheer up crabby kids, it works great on grouchy grown-ups too!
8. Laugh It Up - Do the best you can to keep your sense of humor. Things are going to go sideways, but if you can laugh at them you will be in much better shape. Get the kids laughing too. Tell silly stories and funny jokes. Treat summer like a chance to take a break from being so serious!
9. Dance - Impromptu dance parties are my family's go to activity. Pump up the music and shake your groove thing. It is a free and fun way to make memories that are sure to last. You don't have to be a good dancer, in fact bad moves are even more fun!
10. Unplug - This one is a bit counterintuitive, but bare with me. We've all (or at least most of us) have relied on screens for entertaining our kids and ourselves and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. But, if you are looking for an easy way to spend a summer day with your kids that feels special, try skipping the screens. That goes for you too! I find that in my house anyway, we all behave better when we spend less time in front of screens. If summer starts to slip away, if you find yourself frazzled and your kids stir-crazy, consider unplugging.
I hope these ideas help you have a fabulous, simple summer.
