Unhurried Time Together

Now that school has ended you face the possibility of quality, unhurried time together before your child begins their formal school programs. Kids need time to play and relax in whatever ways they want. Together you have the opportunity to structure your investigations and projects.

As a mother, I dreaded the “I’m bored” whine so I headed it off by helping each child make a list of activities they would enjoy doing during the summer break. I encouraged them to include types or topics of books to read, possible field trips, and talents they wanted to develop. We posted the lists in a central location for reference (and additions) when the children forgot what they hoped to do for their break.

Organized programs that require the child to be at a certain place at a specific time can either be beneficial or detrimental to a child. Skills that prepare them for life such as swimming, dancing, and team sports participation can enrich their horizons. However, there is stress in being rushed from one activity to another and contact with family and close friends are shortened.

Include your child(ren) in preparing menus and making the shopping list. Include them in the cooking and actual purchase of the food. Collect materials for crafts you enjoy and they can learn to do. Plan field trips to local places of interest from a walk in the fields, in the neighborhood, on a mountain trail, along a stream or lake to more formal destinations such as the zoo, natural history museum, historical park, national park, etc.

Variety in your day and weeks heads off boredom. You will want the library to be on your list of regular visits as you explore good fiction and research information about your “field” experiences. Include books they can read (browse) independently as well as a chapter book you can read to them as a family. Begin with classics and follow the interests of your children. Explore the artwork that can be checked out as well as the tapes and flannel board stories.

Create your games for fun and to keep the children’s math skills sharp. Begin from a piece of poster board, markers, and objects in the junk drawer or make variations of your favorite games.

Summer traditions have the potential to build character and bind families. Enjoy this wonderful time with your child(ren).