Keep The Kids Entertained This Summer
Balancing work, family, finances and fun isn’t always easy, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it, but here are a few ideas to keep the kids entertained this summer:
Get them outside.
Getting out of the house is incredibly important for our mental and physical health, especially after the challenges of lockdown. It could be a bike ride to the park, or even just a walk around the block with very little ones. Some alone time and time with friends is good for older children and teenagers, so give them a little space and a little independence – within their individual boundaries. But whatever the age of your children, make sure they protect themselves in the sun. Experts are predicting that this summer will be the hottest in a decade, with highs of 32 degrees Celsius.
Enlist their help.
Children can be very helpful around the house, and – even if they moan about chores – having a sense of their own value and usefulness within a family is essential, and something that’ll stay with them their whole lives. Little ones can be entertained with a damp cloth and instructions to wash all the doors, whereas older children can be given more responsibility – and be a big help to you. It’s great if they start to take initiative, but even kids who need some direction can be set away washing the windows or tidying out the kitchen cupboards.
Share the joy.
Six weeks is a long time to have children at home all the time, especially after more than a year of on-and-off isolation and lockdown. If friends or family members want to take the kids out for the day, they will love it and you can return the favour. You might even be able to set up an informal childcare group – a few parents who take turns having all the kids to give each other a break for work or relaxation.
Educate them.
Take trips to the local library, museum, or art gallery; lots of museums and art galleries are free or have a recommended donation instead of an admission fee. They’re also incredibly child-friendly these days – no more being shushed in libraries – and often have play areas and guided children’s entertainment mornings.
Give them screen time.
In the days of smartphones, trying to get kids off their phones and tablets can sometimes be challenging but screen time can be fun - and educational. Gamified learning is a big thing and as IT skills are absolutely essential in the modern school and workplace, some carefully allotted screen time could be a smart choice.
Get crafty:
Kids have really creative imaginations and so painting, drawing, creating, or designing are great activities for them. You’ll be amazed at what they can make with very little supplies.
Get them in the kitchen.
Whether complicated bakes and cake decoration are your thing, or you’re more of a ‘just add water’ sort of chef, getting kids involved in cooking and food preparation is fun for them, and a step towards independence and self-sufficiency. You could teach them how to make elements of their favourite dinner as an incentive.
Hold a movie night.
Keep an eye out for the summer blockbusters; there’ll be something that appeals to everybody. But multiple trips to the cinema can soon get costly, especially when they charge a premium on kiosk items like popcorn and drinks. But you can recreate the experience at home if you subscribe to a streaming service or there’s a good film on the BBC (as the other channels have advert breaks it can be hard to recreate the cinema experience). A little bit of time in front of the telly is no bad thing – especially if you can make it feel like a special treat. Dim the lights, pass the popcorn, and gather around the small screen. And don’t forget to turn off your phones!
Go on staycation.
Holidays abroad are still a little precarious, so more people than ever are choosing staycations. But it’s not a poor substitute; our country is beautiful, and as experts have promised us the good weather this summer, why not actively choose a cost-effective and eco-friendly staycation? You can find some ideas of places to visit in the UK here.
Explore your local area.
We often take what’s on our very own doorstep for granted so why not be a tourist in your own region and see where you live through a visitor’s eyes? If you have a local tourist information office or website, take a look – you may be surprised. Is your area renowned for a certain type of food? Try it. Are you lucky enough to live near a wood, stately home or country park? Use it for a fun packed day (featuring a picnic of course). Also, keep an eye out for local events, fairs and activity days.
Allow them to get bored.
It sounds counter-intuitive but allowing your kids to be bored helps them to develop their creative skills – because they need to come up with their own solutions to relieve it. Boredom also gives kids an inner quiet that helps with imagination and self-awareness; an important step in helping them develop independence.