modern mom

SURVIVING THE END OF SUMMER WITH “BORED” KIDS

We all think summer sounds fantastic until boom, it’s here. The excitement goes down quite frankly because Kids all day long and let’s be real this is Texas and it’s HOT. But, the truth is, summer is quick, and I do want to enjoy it (as much as one can). June was such a crazy month full of summer camps and such … Now kids are getting to the “I’m Bored” stage of summer. Trying to find a balance between all day screen time and surviving this Texas heat can be tricky but I'm here to help.

So, I’ve come up with some tips to survive the rest of the summer with your kids. Now this list isn’t here to make you feel guilty for not planning the perfect summer for your kids, but it’s to help you enjoy it.

HAVE PAJAMA DAYS WITH ZERO GUILT

This is key to enjoying summer. You need to de-stress. The kids need to de-stress. The school year will be here before you know it. The routines and early bedtime and homework stresses will come barreling back to you with a vengeance. Enjoy these last few weeks by having pajama days. Read books, watch movies and just be a sloth creature. But the key is to feel ZERO guilt. You’re re-charging for what’s to come in the fall.

MAKE HOMEMADE ICE CREAM AND POPSICLES

This one has multiple benefits which is an A+ in my book. Cold, sweet treat and the educational benefits of children cooking. Improves literacy & scientific understanding as children learn to read the recipe before preparing it, they develop reading comprehension. Improves math & science skills, when you cook you are constantly learning about fractions and equivalents. Having the kids help in the kitchen also teaches them about food and healthy eating. When children are responsible for their own cooking or cooking with you, they will learn how to be patient. (Recipes on Page 31)

LEMONADE STAND

While we’re on the path of activities having multiple benefits this is another great idea. A lemonade stand is an excellent way for kids to learn about money and marketing. They will need to figure out how much it costs to make the lemonade and how much to charge for it. This is also a perfect opportunity to teach them about customer service and interacting with people. Learning how to budget their money and resources along with marketing their new business and gaining confidence as an entrepreneur. Who knows, you may be sparking the next Mark Cuban.

COME PLAY BINGO

Golden Bingo Family has 29 bingo halls all across Texas, playing Bingo in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and late night. (Check the schedule to find a hall that works best for your schedule pg. 44)

Only requirement is that the child is over 5 years old and is playing Bingo. The kiddos will like daubing the paper in fun colored daubers (you could even stop by our Bingo Pro Shop - San Antonio only p. 12 and find some really fun themed daubers) or using our computers as they resemble their tablets at home. Kids will be entertained and you could win big; sounds like a win win for me!