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Great Ideas to Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer

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Written by Jamie Taneka

Tuesday, 15 April 2008

by JamieTaneka

The good 'ole summer time is just around the corner. Sometimes it seems like it will never get here, but then you blink and the kids are out of school. No one looks forward to summer vacation more than my children. But after about a week at home, they are bored and antagonizing each other (and their mom).

For those of us with very busy lives, it seems inconceivable that anyone could ever tire of just doing nothing. But children are programmed differently. With their growing bodies and growing brains they need more stimulation than we adults do. So keeping kids busy is a good idea as long as you don't overdo it.

I've tried not scheduling my children's day in the past and that was a disaster. They can only watch and hour or two of television and then move onto the family PC or plug in an ipod. This actually both stimulates and bores them at the same time and the result is a lot of cranky behavior that can get on my nerves. I do have a very sports minded daughter so for her, just practicing softball outdoors will channel her focus in a very positive way.

Summer camps are another great way to keep kids busy. There is a summer camp that fits every child's interest. The highlight of my daughter's summer is her week at an outdoor church camp. She starts planning her trip and packing her bag even before school is out. My other daughter can't wait to go to a basketball or soccer camp (or both).

Camps are great for getting kids out of the house and having fun with their friends, but they can be really expensive. To counteract the cost of camp, we've found that our local library has a ton of activities for kids during the summer to go along with the summer reading program. They've had speakers, games, and even magicians. Best of all, these are all free. And while you are at the library, help your kids research a new hobby - photography, sewing, scrapbooking, etc. - which can really get their creative juices flowing.

Finally, don't overlook other mothers for a support network that is a real lifesaver during the summer months. Maybe the concept of a 'play date' has been overdone but it's still a good idea. It's different scenery, a friend to play with and one mom watches just one more kid while the other can relax or get some work done.

About the Author:

Summertime is the time for outdoor parties. Keep your beverages cool and identified with a engraved can koozie. Take loads of pictures and frame them for great gifts later.

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