Wednesday, June 26, 2002

Summer plans

By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

School has been out for about a month now. Are your kids driving you crazy yet?

I hope not, but if so, I have a few ideas for you this month that may occupy their time, give them something productive to do, and maybe give you, the stay-at-home parent, some time to yourself.

Especially if you have younger children, it will help you if you develop a routine for each day and for each day of the week. For example, chores before lunch, swim time in the afternoon, library day on Thursday, etc. Children will give you less of a hassle when they are used to a routine. You don't have to be inflexible, of course, but it can help.

If you haven't done so already, sign your kids up for a reading program at your local library. Most libraries in Fayette County have something during the summer for kids, even preschoolers. Make a weekly trip to the library, return books, and check out new ones. Many libraries have story time for younger kids. What a great time for you to get a book of your own, let your child be entertained while you sit back and relax with a good book.

There is no single skill more important in our culture than the ability to read. A love of reading will not only keep your child entertained, but it will also help your child prepare for school in the fall.

Do a craft once every week or two. A trip through the craft store can give you dozens of ideas and children love to glue, cut, and draw. There are dozens of books, both at the library and at craft stores, which can guide you if you are timid about making things. Some craft stores even have a craft day where you can bring your kids to do a craft if you are not crafty yourself.

Give your children responsibilities and chores. Age-appropriate responsibilities teach children to contribute to the operation of the household. Children shouldn't have to work all day every day, but 30 minutes or so each day is not unreasonable. If you have several children, a chart with each child's responsibilities and the days those things are to be accomplished can take some of the labor out of it for parents.

Spend time playing together. We take a walk, ride bikes, or play whiffle ball or soccer almost every evening. It gives us time together, exercise, and it is something our children enjoy doing. If some evening playtime is routine, it gives them something to look forward to at the end of the day, as well.

Water games are especially a hit. You can buy water balloons for next to nothing, use squirt guns, or even the water hose. Kids love to spray each other and they will especially enjoy spraying you!

Balance TV, video games, and computer games with outdoor exercise. Kids enjoy playing games on the computer or game-boy, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that kind of entertainment as long as it is in moderation and not to the exclusion of exercise.

Go to the dollar movie. First run movies cost a fortune for a family of four or five, even if you go to a matinee. The dollar movie is cheap and the movies are just as good a few weeks old as they are new. If you are a real bargain shopper, go to 50-cent Tuesday. A family of four can see a movie for $2.

There are dozens of other things to do if you put your thinking cap on. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, hide-and-seek, and other such games don't require much money or travel.

Most of all, this summer, have fun. Your kids won't be little for ever. Enjoy your time with them and build good memories for them to tell their own children.