Search Results for: blog super summer sanity savers for parents

Frozen Summer Fun

Just when I thought it was safe to turn off our air conditioner, Mother Nature turns up the heat once again. This summer, the temperatures have been so high in our neck of the woods experts have advised remaining indoors in order to avoid potential heat stroke. For parents, the dangerous heat has made playtime a bit more challenging. In our family’s case, it has actually sparked cabin fever—-something we typically deal with in the winter, but certainly not in mid-July. As a result of our forced exile to air conditioned structures, my 7-year-old and I have been getting creative … Continue reading →

Summer Safety

Don’t let the extreme summer heat fry your brain; you’ll need it to help keep your kids safe. As a parent, there’s a lot to remember when prepping children for an outdoor play date. You’ve got to keep the kiddos hydrated, slathered with sunscreen and insect repellent, and dressed appropriately. In addition, in order to keep Junior out of the emergency clinic, you need to make sure he washes his hands regularly and be mindful of the types of snacks you pack for him. The latter often goes overlooked especially if you are in a hurry to get out the … Continue reading →

Summer Fun in the Dark

The heat is back. Actually, it never really left. After melting in 100-degree temperatures last week, the first part of this week has been relatively “cool” with the mercury hovering around 90. However, that reprieve is definitely over. Yesterday and today the heat index topped the century mark and forecasters are calling for highs near 100 degrees yet again from now through next Wednesday. Currently, our city has a burn ban and a watering ban in effect. Basically, unless you are going out to sit in a swimming pool, lake or pond, most clans are spending the summer chilling in … Continue reading →

Summer Science

My 7-year-old daughter channels Bill Nye the Science Guy on a daily basis. I don’t blame her; growing up, I constantly tried to recreate Mr. Wizard’s experiments in our garage, much to my mother’s chagrin. Since school left out for the summer my mad scientist has stirred up a bunch of weird-looking concoctions from various benign ingredients she found around the kitchen. However, last week she actually got to experiment with real science projects thanks to our “friends” who help staff a Parks and Rec summer program. If you are looking to prevent brain drain this summer consider the following … Continue reading →

Summer Glow

My 7-year-old is obsessed with glow sticks. Forget about capturing fireflies and giving them a spacious glass home to reside in; my kid is all about shaking, breaking and wearing cheap neon sticks that double as summer evening accessories. Granted, the sticks are very affordable. In fact, you can stock up on them right now at various Dollar Stores nationwide. Some locations are even selling them for 50 cents a pack. Of course, if your children are like my daughter, then connecting glow sticks with plastic fasteners to create necklaces, headbands, anklets and bracelets is simply not enough. Rather, as … Continue reading →

Hands-On Summer Learning

Just because your kids are not enrolled in summer school doesn’t mean that learning should be put on hold until September. My 7-year-old has no desire to spend her summer days cooped up in a classroom; however, that hasn’t stopped her from gaining new skills since she bid farewell to second grade weeks ago. In fact, thanks to a slew of educational programs run by various organizations, my daughter is more enthused about learning than she has been in months. One of the highlights of her summer, the construction of a wood birdhouse, thanks to Home Depot’s Kids Workshops. The … Continue reading →

Cheap Summer Boredom Busters

We live about five blocks down from a city park which hosts organized summer recreational activities for underprivileged youth. Staffed with teens hired by the Parks and Rec Department, the program attracts dozens of kids who are anxious to have fun in the sun. Last week, my 7-year-old and I biked to the park to exercise on the playground equipment and were pleasantly surprised when a program staff member invited us to take part in one of the group’s activities: Bubble Blast. Since the program is run on limited funds, many of the group’s activities and projects are extremely affordable. … Continue reading →

Wet and Wild Summer Fun

The heat is on across the nation. Less than a week after the official start of summer and residents from coast-to-coast are baking in record high temperatures. If you have been desperately looking for a way to cool off, you aren’t alone. Millions of people have hit public pools, trekked to the beach or visited community splash pads. But, what happens if you don’t have access to the aforementioned resources? Fortunately, there are easy ways you can beat the heat without having to travel far or spend a lot of money. Two words: Water balloons. Don’t underestimate the power of … Continue reading →

Summer Storm Survival

This post does not provide tips on how to protect you and your children from lightning strikes, floods or other physical dangers associated with summer storms. Rather, this blog is designed specifically to help moms and dads preserve their sanity when Mother Nature unleashes torrential downpours that force kids to spend the entire day indoors. Some simple yet entertaining indoor boredom busters include: Sing-Off: Grab some ear plugs for yourself, and then let the kids go wild exercising their vocal cords with their own version of “American Idol,” or “The Voice.” Set-up a karaoke machine and a little stage area … Continue reading →

Savor Summer

School’s out for the summer; time to savor the season beloved by kids and parents alike. Summer’s lazy days are highlighted by picnics, beach bonfires, backyard barbeques, stargazing and firefly catching. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from in order to max out your summer fun. However, there are ways you can enhance the popular season. The following projects are simple ways you can infuse a little whimsy into your sunny summer days: PICNIC POT This craft is easy enough for kids to make on their own. All you need is a medium to large size terracotta pot … Continue reading →