School Is Out And Keeping the Kids Busy

School is out and keeping the kids busy seems like it will be a full time job?

Don't worry!

Catch these 3 simple tips to help you plan out your summer for the most fun.

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School is out and the kids are ecstatic!

They can't wait to be completely free of any schedules or rules, but if your child is anything like mine, after a few days of freedom, she gets bored of the freedom needs a little something to keep her busy.

It may be a bit overwhelming not knowing how you are going to entertain your children for the entire summer and you really don't want them to spend hours on an iPad, TV or gaming console.

They are used to being in school for the majority of their days with a very strict schedule and understanding that they don't have a say in what they are doing and now they are free and clear to do as they please and it is up to you that they stay busy.

Or is it?

Yes, children need activities to learn and have fun but it is also just important for them to

have some free play time too.

So while you are planning all of the activities and outings for them to participate in remember that they need some free play time too.

Depending on the age of your children and their level of independence the free play time may take different forms.

My oldest daughter who is 5 loves to spend time drawing or pretending with her toys, but like I mentioned earlier, after a few days of this, she's done.

She then needs interaction and play time with friends or family.

For younger children independent time is usually supervised, which is completely true for my youngest who is 2.

She can be independent, but still would like me to pay attention to what she is doing and be there with her.

Just remember that this down time or quiet time is great every once in a while, but it's not an everyday occurrence.

3) Remember to let your kids have a say in what goes on too.

Have a couple of options ready for the week or if it's day by day then let them help plan how they will spend the day by giving them the options of doing sun art or bubbles or both that day.

Letting your kids plan what goes on in the day is a sure way to get their buy-in and participation especially with older kids.

2) Remember to keep an eye on the weather.

If you know it may be a little cloudy and rainy, plan some great indoor activities; if it's warm and sunny, some outdoor activities, but remember the sun screen.

1) Communicate.

Just be sure that if there isn't any wiggle room for the activity that you have planned for the day you make it clear from the beginning.

When there are choices (limit them to two to three) ask and when there isn't a choice simply tell them what is planned for the day.

A good balance between planned activities and free play or independent time will make

for a fun-filled summer for the kids and for you too.

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Looking for some specific activities to plan for your day, make sure to follow me on Pinterest to stay connected and informed as I continue to add in some great activities to help add to your summer days.

Stay safe and Have fun!!

Sarah Lawyer