Having come from a large family, I learned at a very young age to share and to make do with what I had. Unfortunately, in today's day and age, children have more and therefore, are harder to please. Simple pleasures seem to have been conveniently forgotten.
It’s so easy you’ll hit yourself over the head for not having thought of it earlier.
If your child is exhibiting signs of restlessness, it may be time to take a step backward and rediscover the simple pleasures.
Children should be encouraged to spend time outdoors. As the care-giver, your job includes slapping on the sun block and opening the door. Period. Children can and will entertain themselves if you step aside.
Hand them a box of colored chalk and watch their imaginations flow. Add a large bottle of bubbles and there's no telling how high they can fly. Add glycerine to dish soap and water and make your own bubble blow. Pour the liquid into a frying pan and cut out the inside of a fly swatter, leaving just the outside edge and you've created a tool for monster bubbles. Could your kid resist that?
And let's not forget the simple sand box. Every child, regardless of age, enjoys the sand box. Purchase castle molds, they're not just for the beach, you know, and let your child create. Let them get wet and dirty, without reprimand, and they'll soon have the garden hose added to the mix as they construct a castle moot, and make rainbows in the grass.
If you have the space, allow your child his or her own space for gardening. I promise you, they'll love it. Give them the freedom to choose their own flowers, but make sure they're in charge of upkeep. You'll be surprised at how eager they will be keep their garden looking it's best. Harvesting and drying flowers and herbs can be a fun project the two of you can enjoy together, as well.
There is much to be said about the proverbial ‘‘Lemonade Stand,” but, unless you plan on spending a lot of time with your child, I wouldn't suggest it. Children and strangers, even nice ones who look as though they're only interested in lemonade, don't mix.
Here is a short list of some summer safety tips provided by the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, Washington:
1.) Do not leave children unattended in or near the water. Be sure to use personal floatation devices on boats, docks, and near deep or fast-moving water.
2.) When riding bikes, skateboards, roller-blades, or scooters, make sure children always wear a helmet.
3.) Be sure to protect children from excessive exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when the sun's ray are at their strongest.
4.) When playing on or near playground equipment, make sure children are supervised at all times. Keep them away from the front and back of swings while they are in use.
5.) Keep children away from where lawnmowers are being used, and never allow them to ride on riding lawn mowers.
6.) To minimize the risk of insect stings, have children wear shoes and light-colored clothing. Use insect repellent minimally on young children and never on infants.
7.) Know the plants in your yard and teach children not to pick or eat anything without first checking with an adult. You can contact your local poison control center to receive a list of poisonous plants.
8.) Keep children away from barbecues and bonfires. Always have water present when fire is being used. Never let children near lighter fluid.
9.) When traveling by car or plane, be sure children are strapped in a properly fitting seat belt, car seat, or booster seat.
Some additional tips provided by Kid Source include:
1.) It is important that, depending upon the age of your child, he knows his name, phone number, address, and, if possible, have the child remember the name and phone number of a close relative or friend.
2.) Never leave a child alone in a hot car, even if only for a minute. It can be 90 degrees outside and 150 degrees inside the car.
3.) Make sunscreen part of your daily routine in the morning. Even if your child does not tend to burn, skin damage can occur. Don't forget to put some on yourself, too!
4.) Be sure your child takes swimming lessons, not only for pleasure, but for safety reasons, too.
5.) Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water. Avoid sodas, as they can dehydrate you.
6.) When supervising children playing in the pool, never turn your back. Accidents can happen in a second.
7.) Be sure to wear hats. They can protect the ears and back of the neck from sunburn. Sunglasses protect the eyes.
8.) Even though it is summer and school is not in session, be sure to maintain some semblance of a schedule and make sure children get plenty of sleep.
9.) When travelling by car on a family vacation, be sure to have on a hand a first aid kit, some water, and some non-perishable snacks. If there is room, be sure to throw in an extra set of clothing and extra diapers for those short day trips that turn into an all-day adventure!
10.) Never send your child alone to use a public restroom.
11.) Find out where local CPR classes are held and sign up with a friend. It never hurts to learn and/or refresh what we know!
12.) Does your child love to ride his bike? Make sure the helmet still fits correctly. If not, get a new one.
13.) Review sidewalk safety and driveway safety with your children. Make sure they know not to cross the street without an adult present. Even if your street is relatively traffic-free, never take for granted that a car might be coming down the road.
14.) Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. They include excessive thirst, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, and fatigue. The skin will usually feel cold and clammy to the touch.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, your summer should prove to be a very enjoyable and memorable season!
Several other inexpensive ways to keep children happy, safe and quiet, are the library and Vacation Bible programs. Check into your library for summer programs, or sign your child up for his or her first library card. Vacation Bible School is another great source of entertainment and education. Give the local church a call and see what they have in store for this summer.
The rewards are endless!
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