For many parents summer vacation is yet another reason to stress. If kids are not in camp, how are they to be entertained?
Parents simply can't be children's non-stop, full-time entertainment centres. Not only is this exhausting, it actually doesn't make sense. How can we parents convey to our children that reading, staying active, and being creative are highly important if we can't model these behaviours ourselves?
Carving out time in the day for yourself is essential not just for your sanity, but also for children to see their role-model in action: Curious, excited, and engaged.
How can we find this elusive "me time" during summer vacation? Suggestion: Try having some unstructured time at home. Kids can play alone, with siblings, or with friends, and that's a good thing. Experts agree that independent play promotes creativity, intellectual development, self-discovery, and confidence.
Here are five ideas to nudge kids in the right direction. Warning: You may need to get out of your comfort zone!
#1: STOP RECYCLING. Every time you recycle a box, you destroy hours of free independent entertainment. Kids love boxes. Big boxes can be transformed into play forts, stuffy beds, and stores. Smaller boxes house play villages, and accessories for dolls. For added fun, give kids some paints or markers to decorate the boxes. Your trash is their treasure.
TIP: Let kids exhibit their creations to you upon completion.
#2: STOP TIDYING EVERYTHING. Stop! (I'm really good at this one.) You know that pile of kids' library books spread all over the table? Don't shelve them. Kids are more likely to read whatever they can see and reach easily. Kids working on a lego construction? Cars lined up on an imaginary race track? Don't be in such a rush to have kids tidy up. Leave it out so they are inspired to finish it the next day. I'm not saying kids should never tidy up, or that you should live in a pig sty. I'm just saying it's okay to leave kids' unfinished projects out , or to leave piles of books out for encouragement.
TIP: Show interest in what they're reading or building.
#3: LET THEM RAID YOUR CLOSET—with limits. Kids love to play dress-up with their parents' clothes. A closet is a treasure trove for drama productions, fashion shows, and fun. Make your "fancier" clothes off limits, if it makes you nervous. Otherwise, just let them go at it.
TIP: A little drama production with you as audience?
#4: PAINT, DRAW, CUT—OUTSIDE. Try setting up an easel outside on your deck or lawn. (Protect the surface with an old tablecloth if you're nervous.) Painting outdoors lends new excitement to a routine indoor activity. Don't stop at paper: Kids can find rocks and sticks to paint too. Chalk and craft supplies also become more interesting outdoors.
TIP: Art exhibit.
#5: LET THEM GET WET, STICKY, MUCKY. Running through sprinklers on a hot day is made even better with a sticky popsicle, or when building mucky castles in the sandbox. Be sure to leave out plenty of sand toys. Crank up the music, and let them go at it.
TIP: Don't look, and hose them off when done.
As parents, we can support independent play by praising play in action, by appreciating children's creations, and by reminding kids that we will still be spending time together.
When it comes to carving out some time for yourself this summer, try thinking INSIDE the box!
For further reading:
Why Independent Play Is Good For Childen.
Tip of the Week: Make frequent trips to the library part of your summer routine.
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