Summer Suggestions from Dr. Elaine Ducharme.
Try for at least one hour of physical activity for each hour of computer or TV time.
Check out your local YMCA. They have great activities for the whole family.
Spend the day at a park, lake or beach. Pack a lunch and bring plenty of snacks, drinks and sunscreen. Look for places that have bathrooms.
Go bike riding. Look up local bike trails geared for families.
Especially after Covid and home schooling...our kids may have lost some skills...especially in math. So...Set up math challenges and problem solving situations to keep the kids learning even when not in school.
Plant a vegetable or flower garden together.
Find a brook and bring a strainer and plastic containers. Kids can spend hours catching tadpoles and other water creatures. Don’t forget to apply bug spray if you are in the woods.
Write a play together, assign everyone parts and perform it for friends and family.
Go to the library. Not only can you get great books and check out movies, most libraries have free passes to many of Connecticut’s parks and museums.
Go to a museum.
Take out the hoses, squirt guns and bubble makers and let everyone get good and wet. The kids particularly enjoy getting mom or dad soaked!
Let the kids wash your car. Sure you can teach the kids the “how to’s” of car washing. But it is amazing how you can relax with some ice tea while the kids are soaping up the car, each other and probably you!
Do chores together. Let the kids take turns choosing the music to play while you work. It is amazing how many things can be accomplished as you sing and dance around the house.
The bottom line is, relax, have fun, be physical and be flexible. And don’t forget to schedule naps and quiet time, for all of you.
Remember Safety too! Check the cars for your children and dogs! Teach your children how to swim! Stay alert! Stay safe!