Summer vacation not only brings change to our children's schedule, it also greatly affects our routine as moms. Many of us can find great freedom in our typical workday by including our children in our tasks. This allows us to have more time to spend together to take advantage of the fun activities that bring the playful side out of us.
Try to make these daily chores fun and rewarding for your children. A great way of rewarding them is by informing them that they will get to go to a certain destination once all the chores are completed. Our goal is to get the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible and it is amazing how well our expectations are met when the children know there is fun waiting on the other side of the door!
Now, if you are anything like me, you are probably on a budget. One of the wonderful aspects of living in the country is the fact that we don't have to spend a truckload of money to have fun. The following is a list of activities anyone can enjoy on any budget. The important thing is to spend time with our children. It isn't necessarily the money that makes them feel loved.
Fly a Kite ? Children find kites magical and there's nothing like the satisfaction that comes with finally getting that kite up in the air and sailing smoothly!
Grab a Pair of Roller Skates ? Haven't skated in a while? Grab those oldies but goodies and dust them off! Your kids will love the laughter that will come alive when you begin to rock-n-roll! If you don't have any skates, they are relatively inexpensive at any sporting goods store.
Plant an Herb Garden? Purchase some seeds, soil and small pots at your local nursery. The watering and anticipation will continue for days. It's so much fun to watch the children's eyes light up when they finally see their first sprouts and even better when they get to taste their first meal with their fresh home grown herbs.
Make a Floral Bouquet ? If you don't have your own flower garden, be sure to get permission from the owner of the garden. Anyone living in a rural area has plenty of wildflowers to choose from and can create a beautiful bouquet with your children's signature of creativity.
Do a Pedicure Swap ? There's nothing like having a foot rub. Grab the lotions and potions and put those little hands to work. They'll love having their feet treated like royalty and you'll be surprised at the great conversation you'll have along the way!
Spa Treatment ? Boys and girls alike will enjoy a mud mask and skin exfoliation. They love the textures of the products and especially enjoy having mud on their face. Honestly, put on your robes and create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Make a Sandcastle ? If you live near the coast, take a trip to the beach and let your creative juices flow. Make sure to bring your sunscreen.
Take a Hike ? The fresh air does a body good. Find a trail and enjoy a bit of nature. Pack a lunch for an outdoor picnic. Don't forget the bug spray and the sunscreen!
There are many more adventures for you to enjoy without spending a lot of money. For those of use with multiple children, we'll take all the freebies we can get. With all these great ideas in mind, go and enjoy your summer. You're kids will thank you for it!
