Smarter Living
Anyone else's kiddo on Spring Break? Yes, I love having a little shakeup in the routine, a little more Kiddo-Mama bonding time, but even a SuperMom, with her Crafty Cape and Power Bracelets of Patience, needs a bit of help when the kids say, "MOM! What are we doing today?"...for the ninth day in a row.
I've got a few ideas from moms who have been there, done that and survived to tell the tale.
Plan A City Scavenger Hunt -- I love scavenger hunts. Why not do a little Googleuthing (that Googling/sleuthing combo word) and find some cool things around your town or city. Have a list of things they need to find. Think of regular things like the post office to weird things like building with gargoyles or the oldest book on display in the library.
Organize A Theme-A-Day -- Again, a few hours of prep time can last you a whole week. Think Pirate Day, Dinosaur Day, Space Day, Cooking Day...and have activities, movies, and small adventures around the theme of the day. That includes quiet activities like coloring or reading books about the Jolly Roger or Saturn's rings.
Post the Schedule -- Just like at preschool or school, have a list of what is going to happen that day. Even though it may be a bit looser than their regular school schedule, having it there, with quiet time, play by yourself time, snack breaks, and the like gives everyone a head's up on what's happening when.
Get some new things -- It doesn't hurt to stock up on a few new small crafts or activities books to break out during these days. If you haven't tackled beading or finger-painting in a while, get those out and add to them with some fresh paper or new string.
The other must-have for Spring Break: coffee. Lots of it.
What do you do with your kids when school is out? Share your best advice!
©iStockphoto.com/jonathandowney
Replies
-
this year we used spring break as just that, a break! getting up at 6am 7 days a week & being on the go pretty much every weekend, the kids & i really enjoyed being able to sleep in & do nothing. we weren't able to do it all of break but the days we didn't have any errands to do we definitely did nothing!
-
Great Ideas.
-
Lots of good ideas.
-
It's fun to get out and do things before it gets so hot.
-
we go to the park or beach
-
We spend a lot of time outside.
-
Lots of sunshine = lot sof outdoor time.