This is something that every parent has to deal with. Finding that perfect blend of responsibility and freedom that comes with summer. I know that when I was a kid, we had chores we had to do before we were aloud to go out to play. For me as a parent, I allow my kids a little more freedom. Most days, we all have two things we must do in order to gain our "freedom".
1. We must do something productive for ourselves. This can include reading a book, working on a personal project, or anything that improves our daily life.
2. We must do one thing that is good for our household. This includes doing at least one chore or making our house better in some way.
Now, when I say freedom, I don't mean lazing around falling into the blue glow of electronic happiness all day long. Lord knows, I would totally do that. Once in a while, sure, but not every single day. What I mean is enjoying every day for what it has the potential to be. Us as parents, sometimes forget that kids need to be kids. Kids need the freedom to play video games, play water balloons, go to the park, and even just sit on the couch and enjoy their favorite show.
Most of us don't like our kids falling into their phones, tablets or video games for the entire summer. At that point, we need to give them alternate options. Telling a kid to simply just go play all the time doesn't work. Personally, I like ensuring that my house is full of board games and crafts. In the age of technology, there are kids out there that have NEVER played checkers. I'm not even kidding! I have met kids that didn't know how to play guess who or even candy land. How is this possible? Your kids know what Fortnite and Five Nights at Freddy's are but not checkers! Ok, not going into a rant, nope...no rant.
Us as parents need to spend time with our kids doing fun things that they want to do. Here are some ideas that me and my kids enjoy all year long.
1. Play a video game-- pick up a controller and sit down with your kids. Play whatever game they are into currently. Yes, you might suck at it, oh well! Your kids will get a kick out of teaching you how to play! It's good to know exactly how your kid spends their time. Plus, who knows, you might enjoy it!!!
2. Do a craft-- there are so many things out there that you can do together. Even better, the dollar store now carries the majority of the supplies for most crafts. Anything from doing a tie dye to making slime will keep them and you busy and having fun! The best advice I can give is to pick up a table cloth at the dollar store to keep your mess contained.
3. Go for a walk- you can literally do a couple laps around the block and get some exercise. You have time to talk about whatever is on their mind. Also, it encourages them to get out and enjoy nature. I try to do this at least once a week all year long. You can even make a game or treasure hunt out of it.
The main point I am trying to get across is that we all should spend more time WITH our kids and less time sending them away from us. What better way of keeping our kids happy all summer and fighting with us less than to actually hang out with them! Let the kids pick the activity of the day or make a schedule for the week. Keep them and you happy and busy!
Live life to its fullest every day and show them how to do the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment