Keep ‘em busy!
Keep ‘em Busy!
Easy and Affordable Projects to do Over Spring Break with Your Kids
Keeping the kids busy for a whole week at home can seem a daunting task. It’s so easy to let the days slip by and do little to nothing. But there’s a part of us that realizes that our time with our kids is precious and we all want to make the most of it. So we’ve put together some tried and true ways to engage your children, and allow you to relax and enjoy your time off as well:
Visit the library!
Believe it or not, a trip to the library can really fill the hours. I remember my mother taking us to at a very young age, and helping my brothers and I to get our very first library cards. Having a card that gave us the power to procure something was in and of itself, exciting beyond words. On the basis of just our names alone, the card opened up worlds upon worlds of fascinating stories and information, and provided us with autonomy of choice.
After that initial visit, I remember either riding my bike or asking for rides to the library on weekends and holidays, where I would spend entire afternoons reading and selecting books to take home.
Bake a cake!
Kids love to create, and they love to eat. Put those together, and you have an enjoyable afternoon of delicious treat making. Let your kids decide what they want to bake, take out the cookbook, and allow them to research the ingredients and implements. You may have to make a trip to the grocery store to pick up some things, but that just adds to the fun! And it’s a perfect time to teach your children a thing or to about food and nutrition. Allow them to invite a friend, and you’ve just made a good day even better.
Decorate!
Decorating brings out the nesting instinct in everyone, even boys. Case in point: forts and tree houses. Let the kids choose one simple item, like a picture or a small piece of furniture like a table. Show them how to search for used items online in the local classifieds, and teach them how to contact sellers with questions about the items for sale. This hunt for treasure can last for days, and in the meantime, have them prepare for the item by rearranging, cleaning, and readying their rooms. Once the piece has been located, you will have an opportunity to teach your kids some important lessons about evaluating cost against value.
Volunteer!
One of the things lacking in this day and age, is emphasis on character development. Many future problems can be attributed to an endless preoccupation with what advertisers call the ‘Want-Get Ratio’, creating consumers by instilling desire for goods and services.
Give your kids some tools to help them resist the material pull, and gain true satisfaction through giving instead of getting. Allow your kids to choose a cause, like animal rescue, and take them to a local shelter to work with the pets for a day. Or have them make some homemade cards or crafts to take to a nearby nursing home. Have them spend an hour or two sitting with the residents sharing time and listening to their stories. Exposing your children to a social cause will help them to develop a sense of caring and commitment that will serve them well in many, many ways.
Game Night!
Beyond food, clothing, and shelter, one of the primal needs of man is to belong. And Game Night is a perfect way to satisfy this need in a fun and healthy way. Let your children choose the games and assign the teams. Competition is a great way for them to develop good leadership skills, and games are a great way to spend time with the family.
Camping!
Spring is the ideal time for enjoying the wonders of nature. And camping is the perfect way to get your and your family out there to appreciate all that fresh air and sunshine. Allow the kids to help guide decisions about the destination (even if its no farther than the back yard), equipment and supplies. If you have a family pet (like a dog), give them the responsibility for planning for Fido’s comfort and needs, and then let them pack for him (with your oversight, of course!). If it’s your first family camp-out, an overnight is more than sufficient. If you’re inveterate campers, then carry on!
Ultimately, there are as many ways to fill your vacation as there are hours in the day. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create wonderful and enduring memories. All you really need is a little creative effort, some thought, and the desire to have fun with the family!
About the Author
This article was written by Maureen Page, VP of Discount Security Cameras, your source for quality security cameras and security camera systems. She enjoys sharing her love of technology, reading, and music with her husband and two children in Jacksonville, FL.
