Simple Summers
Remembering that kids really don't need that much in order to have a magical summer
LIFESTYLEKIDSFAITHMOM LIFE
4 min read
"What camps have you signed the kids up for?"
"I don't know what I'm going to do with my kids all day. What have you got planned?"
We have all gotten them. The opening statements from friends and family that mark the beginning of a summer with kids at home. Summer plans look different from family to family, and obviously there are necessary schedules and childcare set ups that are needed in a home with both parents who work outside of the house. But, for the parent at home with the kids 24/7, summer can have a way have bringing along almost a sense of urgency to plan the days out in advance. Maybe you have a kid that is involved in a summer sport and that has set the rhythm of how summer evenings and weekends are spent. Maybe your community has summer camps that give you the option of signing up for a week or all six weeks that are being offered. Finances are certainly a huge factor into what little Betty and little Johnny are able to be registered for, so maybe the kids are signed up for every available VBS in your town (ahem, my kids). The point is, summer has this interesting way of bringing the dreamy open ended days for our families, and yet, still brings this pull to set a schedule that we spend so much of our time during the school year building.
Here we are, a couple of weeks into the summer break. If you are anything like me and have found yourself feeling like your kids need more this summer to make their time seem well spent, this post is for you.
This will be our third summer spent essentially at the house and/or without leaving town (tentatively leaving town for a family reunion over July 4th weekend, stay tuned!). Here are a few easy activities, healthy snacks we always have on hand, well priced yard games and simple life lessons that come to mind -
We are in Louisiana and our summers are brutal - give me all the water toys. These water blasters come in a pack of six and can take a beating. Fill a bucket with water and you have easy entertainment.
Sidewalk chalk is just too easy and it's something that is easy, quick access for small children. We have enjoyed these jumbo non-toxic chalks - they do not easily snap in two and are great for small hands.
Splash pads are always a win in this house. I really like them because I don't feel like I have to watch my kids like a hawk as I do with something like an inflatable pool. This splash pad is large enough for several kids and has a non-slip bottom. And, your dog won't be able to pop it!
If you have a little spending money, a bounce house is a huge hit for any child. Now, you can find them so affordable in comparison to spending hundreds of dollars just to rent one for a couple of hours! We got one two summers ago, and man oh man have we gotten our money's worth. Here is one similar to one that we have had in the past and used the heck out of it. Our local Sam's Club carries a variety of sizes, too, if you live near one.
Easy-grab and easy-make healthy snacks:
Chomps Beef Sticks
Solely fruit snacks
When I say that we have made nearly every variation of Super Hero Muffin from Run Fast Eat Slow, I mean it! All are incredible, simple to make and are nutritional power houses.
Lots and lots of homemade popsicles. Why homemade? We just eat so many of them, otherwise I would have to dedicate a budget line just for popsicles! Also, they are just too easy. Mix up some electrolytes, like the lemon lime from Taylor Dukes Wellness, pour into a silicone mold and there you go. I'll also make a big pitcher full of our favorite smoothies and freeze those, too. The options are endless (and much more cost friendly).
Creams and Sprays:
Thermacell diffusers are a great alternative to spraying yourself down with bug spray.
Primally Pure Sun Cream. Truly water repellant for 80 minutes, super hydrating and is not difficult to clean off like mineral based sunscreen can be sometimes. The lavender mint smells absolutely heavenly. Use code HANNAHN10 for 10% off.
Cliganics bug repellant stickers and bracelets
Primally Pure Nature Spray (use code HANNAHN10)
And remember...
First and foremost, kids have this amazing ability to entertain themselves. If you feel like your kiddo is the exception, give them a chance! Let them run the water-hose and make an "outdoor soup" with leaves, mud and whatever else they want to throw in... I am constantly amazed at what my kids can come up with if I just leave them alone.
Invite your mom friends over. Don't worry about the state of your house or your yard. The kids will play together and you get friend time, too. Win win.
You don't want to hear this, but it's true... one day we will want these long, open ended summer days back.
I could really go on and on - there are so many ways to make the summer days magical for your kids without having to book your time out, or even leave the house. I am a firm believer in less is actually more, and that open ended play is medicine to the soul for our children. And, for us. Maybe your kids are enrolled for all the camps and have a seat on the bus for all the trips. And if so, that is great! I am totally not knocking on that at all and have many friends whose summers look just like that. If that's not how your summer will be looking and you are wondering how you will go from the day to day... know you are not alone! You are doing a great job. Your kids came into this world with crazy imaginative power and a built in desire to just play with whatever is available when given the chance. You may have to tell them "go play" or "use that great creative mind of yours" a million times, but eventually they will get the picture and more than likely lose themselves in a world made out of simple chalk sticks, forts in the living room or chasing bubbles for the fifth day in a row.
It really, really doesn't take that much.
Thank goodness.