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How to Have a Great Summer With Your Kids

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Having a great summer with your kids is not a difficult if you do a little planning. While every August, the office supply retailer, Staples, airs the "It's the most wonderful time of the year…they're going back!" ad on television, complete with happy parents grateful for the school your beginning once again, you needn't feel that way.

Ten weeks with your children at home can be daunting, especially if you are used to having them at school all day. There are plenty of ways to make sure you have a great summer with your kids.

The first thing you need to do is make a plan. Now, you may be thinking that summer means having no schedules…and to a point, that is correct. By planning activities and trips over the course of the next ten weeks, you can guarantee fun each day and have big events to look forward to. Some things to schedule are: trips to amusement parks, the zoo, library story times and special events, and free craft classes.

Plan Your Day So You Can Have a Great Summer With Your Kids

It is nice to not have to rush off to school each day, and then take off to activities each evening. But that does not mean slacking off and spending hours in front of the television or computer each day. Depending on the age of your children, think about what you can do to have a great summer with your kids. Younger kids are fresher during the day, so the big activity needs to be done then before they have a melt down. Older kids may want spend time sleeping and go out later in the day for their outing.

Be Social-It Makes Being Home With Your Kids During the Summer More Fun

One of the best things to do to have a great summer with your kids is to be social. If you have other friends who are at home like you, plan to go on outing together once or twice a week. It gets everyone out of the house and in a better mood to be with other people. Trips to the park or a local playground in the early morning when it is cooler is a terrific way to start the day.

Give your friends a break and take their kids one day and have her take yours another. That way you get time alone and your kids have friends to play with.

Quiet Time is Necessary If You Want to Have a Great Summer With Your Kids

One of the things that drives the parent at home bonkers is not getting time alone. No matter what age your children are, make quiet time a part of every day. Your children should be able to stay alone in their rooms and read or play quietly for 30-60 minutes each day. This rest time is necessary for all of you.

Helpers-Let the Children Learn How to Do Chores

Summer time offers you, as the parent at home, the opportunity to teach your children about how to run a home. How about letting the kids learn to cook a few simple meals? Regular housecleaning has to be done whether or not the kids are at home or in school. It doesn't hurt to have them learn how to do laundry, vacuum, dust, and clean up the kitchen. If they want to play, then the work has to come first. No one gets into the minivan until all chores are completed. After all, who has the car keys?

Having a great summer with your kids does require some planning. In the long run, it is worth it.