“I’m so bored;” says, the three-year old. Really? Not sure you know what that word means little one. “There is nothing to do;” says, your six to twelve year olds, still eating their breakfast.

Surprise! Let the summer begin!!

Children, regardless of their age, need to think outside their world; leave the video games alone, and learn to have some crazy, fun times with their families.

So, bring out the Surprise box, because there are so many activities. Mom, you can get prepared for summer fun with your children. You may say that you work a full-time job; and your children have to be with a sitter or at a daycare. OK.

You can still have fun with your children in the evening. Make plans. You are good at that.

When making plans, you will need: a calendar, colored pens (for children), pad of paper, and craft materials.

Allow your children to decorate the surprise box. (teens can have fun doing this also. Be a sport and get involved.)

1. Write a supply list.
2. Plan the schedule. Have your children help you plan these special times. Write the special events on paper and put in the box.
3. When completed, let the children draw from the box and mark on the calendar, the week and day of that particular  fun event.

Guidelines: Allow the children to help with these rules. (many times they are harder on consequences than parents.) Some rules, Mom will set for them: Safety is always first. Kindness, manners and respect for authority is a must. Review childcare rules and personal guidelines. Never keep secrets from parents.

CHILDREN WITH A CAREGIVER: Days approved by mom:

1. Picnic: Let the children fix their own lunches.
2. Wet Day: Garden hose, water balloons, water yard slide.
3. My Day: Do what they want; within reason & time limits.
4. Dress Up Day: Age appropriate/ superhero, princess, clown etc. Eat food that the dress up person would eat.
5. Animal Day: Zoo, rescue shelter, play with  your pet or your neighbor’s pet.
6. “Glad to do it” Day: Do good deeds for others: volunteer to do your sibling’s chores, or for dad, mom, grandparents, neighbors, or your church.
7. Backwards Day: Wear your clothes backwards, walk backwards, switch daily schedule, dinner first, and eat breakfast in the evening.
8. School Day: Read a book, practice math flashcards, science project, watch a documentary, go to the library. Don’t forget recess.

STAY AT HOME MOM:

1. Free Museums: Visit a Science, Children’s or History museum.
2. Zoo Day: Ride the train, eat lunch, buy ice cream.
3. Park & Picnic: Allow the children to fix the lunch.
4. Friend Day: Each child can have a friend over for a few hours.
5. Leg Exercise Day: Hike, bike riding, walk a pet, horse back riding.
6. Fishing Day: Enjoy and later fix a fish dinner.
7. Farm Day: Visit a farm, pet the animals, feed the pigs, gather eggs, sing to the cows.
8. Berry or Cherry Day: Go to a berry patch or orchard, and pick fruit for the family.
9. Dirt Day: Plant some veggies, herbs and make mud pies.

RAINY DAYS? No problem. Parents always have plan B.

1. Cooking Day: Yes. Mom gives the kids a recipe of their choice; let them follow directions and make something. It can be cookies, brownies, cake, popsicles or drinks. Don’t forget to teach them to clean up.
2. Library Day: Check out books or DVDs of their choice.
3. Toy Day: Play with their toys.
4. Building Project Day: Lego contest, work on a model car, rocket, or have fun with a chemistry set.
5. Movie, Exercise Day: Each child picks a movie. Exercise 5-10 min. before the next movie. If there are more than 2 children, decide who is waiting until next Movie day. Eat popcorn!!

EVENT TRIP:

1. Grandparents or Relative Week: Let family enjoy your children.
2. Vacation Bible School Week: Different churches, different weeks.
3. Church Camp Week: Day camp, junior camp, teen camp.
4. Teen Mission’s Trip: Let your teen experience helping in another country.

 BEFORE BEDTIME:

1. Prayer Links: (idea from a Missionary child in Russia)  Make two different colored links. On one color, write prayer requests. Second color, write when God answers. Tape the links up in your child’s room. It will thrill your child (regardless of age) when God answers. (I like it for myself. However, I will write it on paper & put in my Bible.)
2. Read a Bible story. Child or parent can read, or tell the Bible story.
3. Pray with your Child.
4. Give hugs.
5. Tell them you love them. Tell each one.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

Life Is Too Short!!

Your children are more important than cleaning the house. Some day, house cleaning is all you will have to do. Children are more important than those extra hours at work. Take time Dad for your family too.

There are many free things in life to do, so don’t let money be an issue. However, time costs us something. Spend it with your children and make a lot of valuable memories.

These summer plans are just ideas to help you get your thinking wheels moving. Also, include your children with their own ideas for fun. Do not miss out on what is the most important thing in life: your family.

Have a lot of fun and enjoy. I don’t believe you will hear the words of a three-year old, saying they are bored; or your six to twelve yr. olds, saying there isn’t anything to do. Instead, you will be carrying those sweet sleepy children to their bedrooms, (older ones, you are guiding them to their beds) all tuckered out, because they are having summer fun with their family. Kiss them and thank God He gave you these blessings.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

(Bible verses are KJV)