Two of the important subjects I discuss in my book The Practical Guide to Raising Emotionally Healthy Children, are the importance of communicating with your children and the importance of creating fond memories for your children while they are young. With this in mind, I thought I would offer up some ideas for fun things you can do with your children this summer that will help you not only communicate with them, but also assist in making wonderful memories together.
– Go on vacation or take a staycation: The key factor is to “get away” from the every day life. If you can’t go somewhere new, at least explore the city you live in by doing something you wouldn’t normally do. Go to a new museum or visit a new park. While on your outing, ask questions, interact, and focus completely on your children.
– Do a scavenger hunt together: If you have more than one child perhaps this can be a good sibling bonding experience. My Joy Filled Life created a list of more than 70 FREE printable scavenger hunts. Head over here and see if one works for you. If not, maybe you could create your own.
– Make a craft together: Parents.com has a plethora of easy crafts to choose from. One of them might just be the perfect fun activity for you and your children to do together.
– Head to the beach or the pool: Sometimes just getting in the water together and splashing around is all it takes for a fun filled experience. And, swimming makes for a great physical activity. Speaking of which…
– Work out together: Now, I’m not saying you need to pump iron or run a marathon, but jumping rope, riding bikes, rollerskating and other physical activities are a good way to keep you and your children in healthy physical shape. Doing it together makes it more fun as well.
– Take a class: Perhaps you could take a painting class or even a cooking class together. Get online and search for mommy/daddy and me classes and make and take classes that are in your area. Who knows what you could learn?
– Volunteer: Is there a noble cause in your area that you and your children can do something for? Volunteering is fun because not only does it give you something productive to do, it can also genuinely help your community while teaching you incredible life lessons.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. What are your favorite activities to do with your children during the summer? Leave a comment below and tell us about it!