Tips for Cool Kids' Summer Schedules

Three Steps and Tips to Build
                    a Cool Kids Summer Schedule.

           by Susie E. Caron                7/13/2014

Summer is here and it can be full of fun for you and your children. However, to help the fun along, it is a good idea to develop a weekly schedule together.


Good reasons to build a summer schedule include:
1.  Kids like to know what's going to happen, just like you do.
2.  A schedule, that everyone can refer to, also provides a place to communicate
     events, discussions, and generate excitement about things planned.
3.  Schedules give adults and children focal points and things to look forward to.
4.  A schedule, that addresses each family member's needs, also helps everyone
     to feel cared about.

Here are three steps to get your summer schedule off to a good start:

First, get a large paper calendar, or dry erase calendar for you and the children to write on. Gather some markers and maybe some stickers to make it really fun.
You can click HERE (affiliate link) to find  a magnetic, dry-erase calendar I like a lot.

Second: Plan some weekly events. Here are some ideas that cost little or nothing.
1. Visit the library to return books and obtain more.
2. Plan a trip to the local beach or park.
3. Picnic somewhere new.
4. On hot days, set up water stations all over the back yard. Use plastic containers
    of all sizes and have  a water battle.
5. Schedule an hour to go to the playground. Kids love it when you watch them play.
    Better yet, why not play with them.  You will have the added benefit of free exercise
    and they will love you for it.  Play basketball, or swing  on the swings. Engage
    them in tag, hide and seek, capture the flag or dodge ball.

Third: Always have plan B - To plan for rainy days. Here are some ideas.
1.  Finger paint together.
2.  Get a good family movie, like The Princess Bride or Harry & The Hendersons
    (two of my favorites). Make popcorn and curl up together to watch.
3.  Go bowling together one afternoon.
4.  Plan a family game night. Make sure to give each member a turn to put
     their favorite game on the schedule.
5. Bake cookies or make modeling dough together and make shapes, or letters,
    a zoo, an amusement park or creatures from outer space.
There are no limits to the imagination, and you can ask your children for more ideas!

With a little planning these weekly and spur of the moment events, can make summer more pleasant, and fun for you and your children. So what are you waiting for?
                                  So - Get ready. Get set. Go!
Add your comments and additional ideas below. If you liked this article, share it on   social media too! Thank You!

Remember:
Twee' means you and me.
Susie E. Caron

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