Parenting, Kids, and Summer Fun

This summer is my first one home with both my children, ages 3 & 6 years old.

I was a little worried that I was not going to be able to keep them entertained and from fighting with each other all the time. I have to say, thus far the summer has been very enjoyable for them as well as myself.

Not having the work stress and being able to focus on my children and my current pregnancy has been a blessing.

Parents In The “ON” Mode

I have always known that RECE and ECA’s do a tremendous job taking care and fostering children’s development, from my years on the front line and working as a Supervisor.

Nonetheless, until I started being a full-time mom I forgot how busy children can be.  I am always in the ‘on’ mode to ensure they are occupied and getting the most out of their summer.

My Love for Pinterest

I have a love for Pinterest. Now that I am at home, I have an even greater love for it.  This website has allowed me to save tons of money and keep the kids busy for hours at a time.

There are times that I just let the kids play independently or do what they want (aside from watching TV…we keep it off all day).

Some of the ideas that I have found are:

1. Cutting a large pool noodle in half and making it into a ramp for hot wheels cars.

2. Making play dough with dollar store conditioner and cornstarch.

3. Painting a canvas with squirt bottles or guns, using food colouring.

4. Spraying tissue paper with water on a canvas.

Keeping Summer Fun with Learning

A part of me wants to also ensure that the kids are continuing their education of counting, spelling etc.  Most of this can be done in a playful manner so the kids will not even know you teaching them.

For example, while out on a walk ask the kids what color of things they see, make a scavenger hunt for them and have them find the items on the list.  A great website that you can find more worksheets to do is The Measured Mom. This website is great for children to learn a variety of components.  They offer flashcards, games, worksheets etc.For my 6

A great website that you can find more worksheets to do is measureedmom.com, this website is great for children to learn a variety of components.  They offer flashcards, games, worksheets etc.For my 6

They offer flashcards, games, worksheets etc.For my 6-year old we added a game to our home laptop (star fall) this is a game that he used to play in JK/SK, he enjoys it as it offers spelling, games, counting, shapes etc.

We allow a certain amount of time on the computer to ensure that he is not on it all day.

Learning Play Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

There are other free things in our area that we also do weekly, splash pad, different parks in the area, walk along the Humber river trail, OEYC, play in the backyard (we bought a pool for them to splash in, we also have other children in the neighbourhood come over for play dates, as well as going for bike rides.  We have also made a tent with chairs and sheets; we try to keep the toys in the basement so that the children can play down there where it is cooler.  Additionally, we rotate our toys so that they do not get bored of the toys. We have a small storage room and keep some toys in

We have also made a tent with chairs and sheets. We try to keep the toys in the basement so that the children can play down there where it is cooler.  Additionally, we rotate our toys so that they do not get bored of the toys. We have a small storage room and keep some toys in

Additionally, we rotate our toys so that they do not get bored of the toys. We have a small storage room and keep some toys in there when we rotate the toys it is like Christmas all over again for the kids.

Mornings Are Best

I find that getting out first thing in the morning is always best, it is cooler and the kids have so much energy it allows them to get it out and stay cool.

Our afternoons are left for crafts, baking etc.

I hope that some of the above ideas give you some enjoyable moments for weekends or when you are on vacation with the kids.

ENJOY!