Summertime Without Electronic Gadgets

You can feel and smell it in the air, summer is around the corner. Do you hear yourself saying, “Oh no, what am I going to do with my kids?” Here are some ideas to jump start your summer activities that don’t involve online gadgets:

1. Go to your local library, most libraries have a summer reading program for kids. The reading programs can last up to 6 to 8 weeks and some have small rewards for kids on weekly bases
2. Get outside. Whether it is playing tag or running through the sprinklers, go outside for at least a few hours a day
3. Reduce electronics. Have a daily time limit of how long and when kids can have screen time. How much time do kids really need to spend online gaming or texting?  Go outside and play like kids are meant to
4. Get an activity buddy. Have your kid partner up with a friend and make a plan of what time to hang out and activities they want to do together. It could be building a tree house, having a lemonade stand or playing kickball. Having kids make a commitment to one another will encourage them to stick to their plan
5. Plan a weekly outing. Whether it is walking in the local park, going to the beach, hiking a trail, plan at least one day out of the week to go and explore a local area
6. Do a day camp. Don’t have the time or finances for a week or two week long camp. Check out your local “Y” and see what types of 1 or 2 day camps are around this summer

Whatever your children may like to do, get involved and help them plan out their summer so you don’t’ hear as often, “I’m bored” or “I just want to play video games all day.”