Search Results for: blog summer fun for moms and dads

Simple Summer Sanity Savers

School’s out for some kids, while others are just a few weeks away from enjoying the freedom of summer vacation. For parents, the end of the academic year brings excitement and some trepidation.  After all, most moms and dads know it’s just a matter of time before seasonal boredom sets in. To preserve your sanity in the weeks to come, consider keeping your kids busy with the following summer-themed crafts: Sugar-Free Ice Cream Cone Not only is this adorable ice cream cone sugar-free, it’s also calorie-free and drip-free.  All you need to make this cute craft are a few sheets … Continue reading →

Summer Bonding

Who says you have to fork over thousands of dollars or travel hundreds of miles to strengthen the parent/child bond? During the summer months, many moms and dads feel obligated to spend an exorbitant amount of money on fancy vacations in an effort to build a better relationship with their children. However, child psychologists say the best gift you can give your child while he or she is out of school is good old fashion time. Instead of handing over a wad of cash to your kid and letting him run amuck at the mall while you get some chores … Continue reading →

Ways to Savor Summer Nights

While some parents are busy belting out “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” I am desperately trying to squeeze as much outdoor fun into what’s left of my daughter’s summer break. Classes resume next week and neither one of us is ready to say so long to the season. My family spends a ton of time outside during the summer months, and this year has been no exception, despite the record-breaking heat. Now that the new school year is about to start, we are trying to get in as many outdoor adventures as possible. Since I telecommute, I … Continue reading →

Summer Storm Survival

This post does not provide tips on how to protect you and your children from lightning strikes, floods or other physical dangers associated with summer storms. Rather, this blog is designed specifically to help moms and dads preserve their sanity when Mother Nature unleashes torrential downpours that force kids to spend the entire day indoors. Some simple yet entertaining indoor boredom busters include: Sing-Off: Grab some ear plugs for yourself, and then let the kids go wild exercising their vocal cords with their own version of “American Idol,” or “The Voice.” Set-up a karaoke machine and a little stage area … Continue reading →

End of the Year Fun

My daughter recently came home with a list of end-of-the-year activities that she and her classmates will be participating in before school lets out for the summer. I still marvel at the rate at which this academic year flew by. Soon I will be back in charge of entertaining my 6-year-old on a daily basis. Of course, there’s still a month or so left of school, and my daughter is thrilled that she will be participating in the following fun (and educational) activities: Letter Writing Doesn’t seem too exciting, right? Fortunately, my daughter’s teacher is extremely creative and loves to … Continue reading →

Summer of Learning

My daughter brought home the school calendar for the month of April a couple of days ago and I was shocked to see that preschool graduation takes place at the end of the month. Where has the year gone? Where have the years gone? My daughter is in first grade this year; however, I remember her preschool years like they were yesterday. Granted, she’s not far removed from the days spent playing with salt dough every day, but time still seems to fly at breakneck speed. I remember how petrified I was during the summer prior to her entering kindergarten. … Continue reading →

Focus on Fun

Summer is primetime for outdoor fun. If you have kids, then the sunny season is also a super time to capture your kids at their funniest while participating in outdoor activities. Often, parent photographers get caught up in trying to capture the perfect picture of their kids striking just the right pose. Moms and dads with cameras are often guilty of forcing their mini models to break out their pearly whites and flash just the right smile before hitting the shutter button. My suggestion: Forget about forcing children to smile. Instead, find something that they think is fun, then start … Continue reading →

Fun Ways to Cool Off This Summer

Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st, but you wouldn’t know by looking at the thermometer. The heat is on across the nation and that means plenty of moms and dads are looking for ways to keep their kids cool during summer break from school. The following are some simple ways you can beat the heat this summer indoors and out: WATER BALL TOSS Gather and then fill up five buckets with water. Place the buckets in a line with the first bucket in front of the second and so on so that the fifth bucket is farthest away. Use … Continue reading →

Affordable Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer

Studies show that the current recession has caused many parents to forgo sending their children to expensive summer camps. Instead, moms and dads across the country are being forced to come up with their own means to keep their kids entertained during summer vacation. If you are looking for inexpensive projects to keep your kids stimulated during the dog days of summer, consider this simple idea: TREASURE BALLS These fun homemade balls are ideal for family treasure hunts. You can hide clues in the balls or use them as a container for small gifts. Another idea: Place different colored marbles … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun for Kids

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of the summer season, but most kids are still in school for a couple more weeks. That gives moms and dads a little bit of time to prepare for long hot days when kids are home 24/7. The following fun activities are ideal for school kids of all ages looking to stay cool during the dog days of summer: KOOL AID FINGER PAINT: Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 packs unsweetened Kool-Aid (in your favorite colors) 1/2 cup salt 3 cups boiling water 3 tablespoons oil Directions: Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add … Continue reading →