As the school year winds down and summer approaches, parents often find themselves facing a familiar dilemma: how to keep their kids engaged and entertained during the long days ahead.
While it may be tempting to rely on screens to fill the void (and believe me, I fall into this pit, too), it’s essential to recognize the importance of planning ahead for a summer filled with enriching activities that stimulate creativity and foster growth. Let’s briefly explore the significance of proactive planning for kids’ summer activities, and why steering clear of excessive screen time is crucial for their overall well-being.
Proactive planning can help parents mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time, which has become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age. According to a recent survey by Common Sense Media, the average American child spends over seven hours a day in front of screens, a trend that has been linked to a host of health and developmental issues, including obesity, sleep disturbances, and attention problems. By prioritizing alternative activities such as reading, arts and crafts, and outdoor play, parents can help their children develop healthier screen habits and reduce their reliance on electronic devices.
Friend Motivation
I’ll bet every one of your kids is different, right? My two teens have a wide range of interests and often want to go opposite ways. But when we brainstorm together, we often come to an understand that everyone is happy with (or at least happy to tolerate for a short period of time, hehe). Lately they’ve been more motivated to get creative when they can invite a friend into their experience. I feel like my part-time job has been making connections with other parents and planning ahead for the best weekends to pick up their kids so my son and daughter have more to look forward to after their school week is done.
Whether it’s exploring nature, engaging in arts and crafts, or participating in sports and outdoor games, having a plan to launch from can help the whole family have opportunities for exploration and learning. By proactively scheduling activities, you can introduce your kids to new hobbies, cultivate their talents, and encourage a lifelong love for learning. When kids and teens have the expectation that activity including movement and creativity will be a part of their day, their brain will spend less time stressing about being bored or falling into addictive patterns.
One study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children who engage in creative play are not only happier but also exhibit higher levels of cognitive development and emotional resilience. Creative play encourages kids to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and express themselves freely, all of which are essential skills for success in school and beyond. By prioritizing creative play over passive screen time, you can nurture your children’s creativity and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts and innovation.
Community Activity Postings
We like to find postings of local activities and community events in our area. April and May are usually when publications and sites begin to post about camps, classes, summer festivals, shows and other treats.
While organized camps and classes can provide valuable opportunities for skill-building and socialization, it’s equally important to allow kids the freedom to engage in spontaneous, imaginative play. By setting aside dedicated blocks of time for unstructured play, parents empower their children to use their creativity, problem-solving skills, and imagination to invent their own games and activities.
Parents Lead, Kids Follow
Remember, you are their leader! Step into the kind confidence you need to lead them well and paint the picture for growing and learning well. If you take the time to plan ahead for summer activities, you can experiment with a range of experiences that cater to your children’s interests and developmental needs.
Do you tend to be less of a planner and more spontaneous? Totally okay! In fact, having spontaneous fun works for some kids, and teaches others how to be flexible. Just try not to be spontaneous every day – kids need appropriate structure, too. Try your best to strike a balance between structured activities and unstructured playtime.
In addition to fostering creativity, planning ahead for summer activities allows families to make the most of the season’s unique opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. From nature hikes and picnics to visits to local parks and playgrounds, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer months. By incorporating outdoor play into their summer plans, parents help their children develop a deep connection with nature, promote physical fitness, and instill a sense of stewardship for the environment. Download our FREE printable 50 Summer Activities for Kids and Teens with includes indoor and outdoor activities.
Planning ahead for kids’ summer activities is essential for creating a fulfilling and enriching experience that promotes growth, creativity, and well-being. By prioritizing creative options over screen time, parents can help their children make the most of the summer months and create lasting memories that will inspire and empower them for years to come. As the summer approaches, let’s embrace the opportunity to plan ahead and create a summer filled with adventure, discovery, and endless possibilities for our children.