Summer is here. The air is warm, the flowers in full bloom, and parents everywhere are waiting to hear those dreaded words: “I’m bored.”
What’s a mom or dad to do with sulking stay-at-home kids? Below are some key ingredients to help banish summer boredom from your home:
Be a tourist in your own neighbourhood. Explore historical buildings, museums and other places of interest in your area. Whether it’s a local dairy or a modern art gallery, touring your community is a great way for kids to discover the exciting world just outside their door.
Encourage budding gardeners. The garden may not seem like a hotbed of summer fun but dig a little deeper and you’ll realize it contains all the ingredients for a good time: dirt, garden tools, flora, insects and more dirt. At the end of the day your petunias may not look perfect, but your children will enjoy learning a little about plant life and a lot about top soil.
Feed book worms with regular visits to the public library. Even if your children aren’t avid readers yet, summer is the ideal time to get them hooked on books. Most libraries host children’s reading clubs which reward kids with a sticker every time they complete a book.
Arrange weekly visits with friends. Summers can be lonely for stay-at-home kids because they miss socializing with school chums. Help your children ‘stay in the social loop’ by hosting a friend once a week. You may even find that their friends’ parents—grateful for the break—offer to return the favor.
Nourish interests. If your child loves snapping pictures, why not look into a summer photography course. Is he or she a fish to water? Then investigate swimming programs. For a nominal fee, many community centers and schools allow kids to explore their interests and meet like-minded mates.
With an ounce of planning, a touch of creativity and a splash of spontaneity you can help stay-at-home kids appreciate summer for what it really is: a chance to grow, learn and discover.
Need help in balancing your work and family demands? WS Family Matters™ can help. Call your EAP at 1-800-387-4765 for service in English, 1-800-361-5676 for service in French, or click here to contact WS Family Matters online.
This newsletter is meant for informational purposes only and may not necessarily represent the views of individual organizations.
