I love to have my kid’s at home. I miss them when they are spending the night at their grandparent’s house or when my daughter is in school.  I love to wake up in the morning, have a late breakfast, watch cartoons and play with them. But the inevitable “I’m bored “of summer lingers in the air like a rotten stench.

            The last week of school is bustling with excitement. You make all the last minute visits with the teachers, thanking them for a great year. You attend the music performances and school awards assembly. You get the grade card, which sets the mood for the following summer, and you are ready for a break. No more rushes to make it to the bus stop, no more running out in your pj’s to get them to school on time, no more notes home and squeezing doctor visits into the one hour window in the afternoon! No more of all that for TEN WEEKS! Can it get any better? … YES!!!

            For the first couple of days of summer vacation,  you’re living that life. The usual stresses of the year are on hold. You’re on vacation. Then, the dreaded words are uttered. “I’m bored!” Now… your kids have more toys than the local toy store, yet they’re bored. You wonder how. They want to swim. They want to go shopping. They want to see a movie. They want to go to their friends’ house. They want to go to the park. Want, want, want!  Your down time is down the drain.

            You struggle to figure out how to keep them busy and satisfied long enough to relax a little yourself. I know…I’m there!  I am not going to pretend to have all the answers-I don’t. No one does, because there is no one answer.  However, I do have several suggestions.

1.     Don’t wait for your kids to start asking to do something. Have the day planned before they begin their begging ritual that seems to get under your skin. Have a plan, even if your plans are just to stay home and relax. Let them know what to expect the day to be.

2.     Have back up plans. If you are planning an outdoor activity like swimming, make sure you have an indoor alternative…just in case Mother Nature is not on your side.

3.     Get your child involved in something that truly excites him/her.  There are a lot of day camps for music, art, etc. to take advantage of. You can get more information on what is offered in your area from your child’s teacher. Them having something to look forward to - is a great way to make the time pass a little more quickly, (and a little less painful for you).

4.     Get out and enjoy the summer with them. They are only young once and I guarantee you will miss these days when they are gone.

            For great indoor activities and craft ideas, check out my Links Page or visit   http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/. There you will find projects using paint, clay, and paper for all ages. Remember, summertime offers many outdoor activities involving water, so be careful. Don’t leave your child unattended in the water, make sure they know to swim with a buddy, read signs posted near the water, wear appropriate floatation devices,always swim with a lifeguard present, and wear sunblock. For more safety tips on swimming visit http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html#general