School Ends--Now What?

If you're like me and don't usually have childcare, summer vacation for your school-age children can seem daunting. Here are a few tips on keeping your kids out of trouble and out of your hair.

1. Schedule some fun activities throughout the summer. Make up a calendar with the events clearly marked. If they know something different is coming up, they will likely be more willing to let you work in peace, especially if they know misbehavior will result in canceling the outing.

2. Create a list of things to do when they utter the words "I'm bored." Get creative and you can probably come up with a fairly long list. Give each child an age-appropriate list and tell them that whenver they feel bored, they should do something on the list. Email me if you want to see the list for my kids.

3. Make a jobs jar for when they start whining about having nothing to do. Make them pick a slip of paper from the jar that has a chore on it they don't normally do, like dust the baseboards or sort their sock drawer. Remind them that the job has to be done to your satisfaction or it must be done again.

4. Be spontaneous. Surprise the kids every once in a while with a trip to the ice cream place or a water ballon fight in the backyard. Bring out a new DVD (new to them, that is) and pop popcorn for an afternoon matinee.

Summertime doesn't have to give you the blues when it comes to juggling your children and your at-home work. Try these ideas and I hope your summer is smooth sailing.

Until next time,

Sarah