Finding It Hard To Keep The Kids Busy? A Parenting Coach and A Mom Blogger Share Their Best Tips On Keeping The Kids Busy This Summer.
How to Cope When the Kids Are Bored and There's Nothing To Do
Jamie Reeves is a soccer Mom from Nashville, Tennessee who works in publishing and blogs for sanity and fun. Her blog, BlondeMomBlog.com is where she has been "pontificating on poop and pinot noir since 2005."
Susan Heid, is a PCI Certified Parent Coach from Seattle, Washington, who enpowers Moms and strengthens families, www.theconfidentmom.com.
Here they share their best tips on keeping the kids happy during the summer and coping with boredom.
Commitmentnow.com: What are some things you do to keep your kids busy during the summer?
Jamie Reeves: We try to keep things "loosely structured." My girls are used to being busy with school and daycare so they like some activities. My husband, who is a small business owner, is taking Thursdays off this summer for "Daddy Thursdays." He typically takes them swimming or does some other fun outing with them.
They have also attended Vacation Bible School and are attending a performing arts camp later this month.
We go swimming at least once a week and other outings such as playdates, trips to the library, etc. My 8-year-old daughter is also playing on an indoor soccer league on Monday nights this summer.
Commitmentnow.com: What are some of the greatest challenges you face in the summer when it comes to your kids?
Jamie: I am working in my office three days a week this summer and my husband works crazy hours as a tech entrepreneur, so juggling child care has been a bit of a challenge. We decided to go ahead and take our 5-year-old out of full-time daycare in May since she is starting kindergarten this August and her big sister, who is 8, was also out for the summer. Thankfully we have two sets of grandparents both within 45 minutes of us, so we always have a back up plan!
Commitmentnow.com: What are your best memories of the summer?
Jamie: I grew up on a 140-acre farm with lots of animals and wide open space to run and play and explore. I remember having the entire day to just play, be imaginative, and be a kid.
Catching fireflies at night and going fishing during the day in our pond are some of my favorite memories. I also loved to read. I was active in 4-H so 4-H camp was always a big event to look forward to.
Commitmentnow.com: What are your thoughts on mothers with kids home all summer?
Jamie: Enjoy this time because it goes by so quickly. You are helping make memories that will last a lifetime for your children. For working moms, especially, try to let go of the regimented schedule a bit. Try to do some exploring in your community. You’ll be amazed at the free family activities in your own city.
Commitmentnow.com: What are your best five tips for mothers who feel their kids are driving them crazy?
Jamie:
1. Plan a play date! Nine times out of ten the parents of the other child will reciprocate and you’ll get a little break.
2. Get out! A change of scenery does wonders for the soul. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still go to your local park, pack a lunch and go on a picnic.
3. Get wet! Recruit your kids to help you water your flowers or wash your car or the family dog.
4. Switch things up! Keep a stash of toys packed away for those days your kids whine "I’m bored" for the 100th time in one hour. Rotating toys keeps things fresh.
5. Get cooking! Make something simple with your kids, such as Jello or cookies. Kids love to see how things really work in the kitchen. Get them to come up with a pretend menu or cookbook of their own.
Susan Heid, a parenting coach, has these thoughts on summer fun:
Commitmentnow.com: As a certified parent coach, what challenges does summer present to Moms?
Susan Heid: For moms who have had children in school for a portion of the day - summer arrives with mixed feelings. Excitement on all the time together to create memories and stress because of all the time together!
Having fun activities for kids is part of being prepared, but also remembering that your kids are capable of coming up with activities on their own too. We have become a society where everything evolves around our kids and I believe it is beginning to have negative effects. Moms feel responsible for their kids entertainment, enjoyment and feelings. When you take the stress away of being responsible to your kids rather than for them it changes everything.
Commitmentnow.com: What are your best ten tips for mothers who feel they are going 'crazy' trying to keep the kids busy?
Susan:
1. Find time for yourself
2. Plan dinner ahead
3. Delegate household tasks to family members
4. Set a rough schedule for the day and post it where others can see it
5. Set expectations for the day (what time is everyone to be up, showered, teeth brushed) otherwise you can end up wasting the day away
6. Plan one outing every week as a family, or with most of the family
7. Cook out as much as possible
8. Get your kids outside
9. Provide opportunities for your kids to be creative on their own without you dictating their every move
10. Take a mommy time out whenever you need it!
Commitmentnow.com: What are the worst mistakes mothers can make when it comes to their kids being bored in the summer?
Susan: When a mom takes on the responsibility for their child and their happiness you are in a no win situation. Rather than get caught up in conversations and the whining that typically comes with being bored, just throw the conversation back at your kids, "So what are you gonna do about it." "I hate when I am bored."
Do not feel like you have to solve their problem all the time. Have some ideas for your kids to choose from and then let them be, don't get caught up in the 'drama' which can surround unhappy and bored kids. When you allow them to suck you in they have won!
Commitmentnow.com: What are some tips for Moms who feel overwhelmed by having the kids around all day?
Susan: Find a friend who would be willing to swap kids one day a week so you both can have an afternoon free.
Find a mother's helper to come give you a break, school age kids are great for this and often are looking for summer jobs.
Make sure you are finding some time to refresh yourself and keep your energy up. This provides an opportunity for your kids to see that you and your needs are just as important.
Let me know if you need more information!
Christina Kopp Van Valkenburgh, a Mom in the Washington, DC area, shares this tip on summer fun:
"I live in the DC area and we are planning on taking advantage of all of the free things that DC has to offer. My childrens favorite is the US Botanic Garden. If you live anywhere near DC it is a hidden jewel with a special program just for kids, the Junior Botanist Program. You can become an Apprentice Junior Botanist by asking for an Adventure Folder for exploring our Conservatory. Bring along an adult adviser with an official ID (e.g., a driver’s license) so you can check out a backpack filled with cool tools to use during your explorations. Follow up your visit to the USBG with an at-home activity and then apply to become not just an apprentice, but an official USBG Junior Botanist. The program is free. My 10 year old son loves the Garden and this program. Another big hit is the Library of Congress. They have interactive kiosks all over the Library that the kids can access to learn, play games, and even access at home."
Susan Heid can be reached at 425-357-9690 or www.theconfidentmom.com.
Jamie Reeves can be reached at BlondeMomblog.com.
