Summertime can be a Bah Humbug!

Summertime is fast approaching, and kids will be out for summer break. Aaaargh! This year don't let it be overwhelming. Summertime is a fantastic time to enjoy with your children, but often enough, early in the summer,ideas seem to run short for things to do. There is not enough money for extra curricular activities, and it seems like kids have non-stop energy and can play forever. Get a hold of summertime activities with these few easy suggestions.

First, make a plan for the week. This gives kids knowledge of what they can expect ahead of time. If you are planning only one thing to do per week, pick a day that is closer to the end of the week, like Wednesday or Thursday. That will be your activity day. The kids have spent all year with a structured school schedule, continue the structure at home as well. Of course you probably have one in place now.

Pick some chores for your children to do that have to be done every day. Make sure their jobs are completed before they go play. Having jobs assigned for them to do everyday gets them moving, and leaves you time in the morning to get your own chores done.

Search for activities that don`t involve the cost of money. Going to the park, ride bikes, ha there is some exercise for you. Having a water day, when it's 100 degrees outside, adults can find their inner child as well, visiting the library, take a nature hike walk, and enjoying the beach are some ideas that don`t cost anything or are very low in cost. Check with your recreation centers, YMCA's, or local library for special events during the summer. Depending on your budget, determine what activity you want to spend money on and let the kids do odd jobs around the house, to earn the activity. Surely, you can think of something. I know at my house there is branches to pick up, grass to rake, weeds to pull. Have them do those kind of things, and whatever you decide on will be that much more enjoyable, and rewarding to them.

It seems like by the time summer is here, it is over, and time to get ready for school again. This year, plan ahead, so your kids don' get the summertime blues, and get into the summertime rhythm and enjoy fun times with your kids all summer long. You will all enjoy the summer a lot more. Hey, and us adults can get some exercise too. Ha Ha. I know I could use it.