Summer is just around the corner. Here are a few tips from Rosie the #dragon and Charlie for ways to make your summer more fun.
Create a FREE Activity Jar: Take time together to write out or draw activities on separate pieces of paper. Fold them up and put them into your jar. When your child has “nothing to do,” you can tell them to pick something from their special jar. They get to pick until they find something that sounds fun. Writing the activities together will increase their investment.
Snack Time: Do you have a grazer in your house? Or an “I’m bored” eater? Perhaps you have a child who loves the sensory input that comes with eating. Set up a section in your fridge and in a cabinet or pantry that includes pre-approved “all you can eat” snack options to avoid power struggles around food.
The Power of Visuals: Have fun creating a poster together with rules and expectations. You can also write/draw out a FLEXIBLE daily schedule to make the day go more smoothly. (Schedule not pictured.)
Low-Cost Activity Jar: Do the same as above, but create a jar that includes activities that might cost a little bit of money. You can pull this jar out once or twice a week for fresh ideas and fun.
Swim Bag: Make sure you have a swim bag filled with fun toys, reef-safe sunblock, and non-perishable snacks. This will make pool-time easier. Don’t forget a dry towel and GOGGLES!
A Little Bit of Organizing Goes a LONG Way: When my kids were little, one of my best summer tricks was to spend the first couple of days going through toys with them and organizing them. It was always eye-opening to see all of the fun items they had at their fingertips. It helps to do this halfway through the summer, too.
Cooperation Celebration: Each time your child picks an activity from the jar and actually does it (for a moment), cooperates with you, problem-solves with a sibling, or plays independently, give your child coins to add to the jar. At the end of the week, you can count the money and decide how to celebrate together.
Books and Snuggles: Share library magic with your child. Head to the library each week to check out books. Snuggle up and read. Don’t forget to check-out Rosie the #Dragon and Charlie on your library adventures!
And remember, dragons make everything more fun!
Speaking of which, join Bianca Schulze and I for a dragon adventure at ALLTHRILLZ on June 20th at 3:30! Buy your tickets now!
Feel. Write. Risk.
Lauren