Summer Boredom Busters: Drop-Off Edition
All the extra quality time with your kids over summer vacation is great, but sometimes a parent needs a break. Whether you have a meeting, appointment, or just plain want the day off, it’s nice to have a few options for places you can take the kids and drop them off for a few hours of alone time.
No, no, not a condo in Florida. Organize a childcare rotation system with one or two of your kids’ friends and their parents. Choose a day of the week for a revolving playdate, with the understanding that the parents won’t stick around and chat. It means that one day every few weeks you’ll have a couple of extra kids for a few hours, but you’ll also get a day or two of sweet, sweet solitude.
Stay at home and play, or if you’re feeling particularly energetic, take the whole gang to the pool, movies, or park. They’ll enjoy getting to socialize with their pals, and all the parents will appreciate getting a regularly scheduled break.
HAPPY CAMPERS
The idea of your kids going to sleepaway camp is either completely terrifying or the most fun idea ever. If you fall in the latter camp (pun intended), start looking into overnight camp options for your kiddos. Most sleepover camps have programs for kids starting around six years old, with varying durations. Younger kids often only stay a few days, while older children and teens might be there for a week or more. If you have a local church, there’s a great chance they offer their own kids’ retreats or have a partnership with a summer camp. There are summer camps for all ages geared toward sports, music, hobbies and other activities, and even some created for kids who share similar medical issues.
Not ready to send your kids away overnight? There are tons of day camp options, too. Check the local YMCA or other youth community program to see if they are offering a day camp that interests your kids.
Camps all booked? There’s always Grandma and Grandpa, who are probably delighted to take your child or children for a few days. Solo visits to the grandparents or other relatives are treasured summer memories for everyone involved. Grandparents get quality time with the kids, the kids get spoiled as all get-out, and you can rest easy knowing your offspring is in good hands. Everybody wins!
CLASS IS IN SESSION
Just because it’s summer break doesn’t mean learning stops. Sign the kids up for a class in something they enjoy, like cooking, dance, martial arts, arts and crafts, or whatever else interests them.
Lots of community colleges have summer kids’ programs focusing on practical topics like creative writing, basic computer coding, or even babysitting courses complete with infant CPR training. Most dance and gymnastics studios offer summer courses, and lots of youth sports have training camps over the summer where kids can try out the sport and see if they like it before registering for a full season.
Are your kids artistically inclined? If so, they’ll definitely want to try out a kid’s painting class at Pinot’s Palette. Junior artists will create paintings, arts and crafts in a safe, fun and collaborative environment, and they’ll get to bring home a masterpiece or two.
Check with your local studio for dates and details! https://www....com/locations