As the school year wraps up, the buzz about summer plans is everywhere. You can’t escape the question, “What are you doing this summer?” While others are signing up their kids for various camps and activities, I find myself pondering how to entertain my children for twelve weeks without breaking the bank or losing my sanity.
Welcome to my fourth summer as the Chief Fun Officer of Camp Stay-At-Home! I keep my kids home, not just for the freedom it allows, but because I’m a bit of a penny-pincher and, let’s be honest, a tad lazy. Here are six essential tips that I rely on to survive the summer madness:
- Popsicles Galore. Stock your freezer with enough popsicles to create a small glacier. They’re your secret weapon against everything from sibling squabbles at 8 a.m. to boredom at 8:15 a.m. When chaos reigns, just whip out a popsicle and watch the tears dry up. Trust me, there’s very little a popsicle can’t solve.
- Rash Guards are a Must. Since my sunscreen skills are questionable at best, rash guards have become my go-to solution. Plus, they make it much easier to spot my kids among the sea of wet-haired little ones at the pool. I’ve considered investing in a tracking device to keep tabs on them, but for now, the rash guards will suffice.
- Band-Aids On Hand. With bare knees and feet, scrapes are inevitable. Be prepared with a stockpile of Band-Aids for everything from bug bites to minor injuries. I’ve been known to slap one on a paper cut and call it a day—then hand over a popsicle for good measure!
- Have a Game Plan. Whatever you do, avoid asking your kids, “What do you want to do today?” You’re the camp director, so take charge! If you don’t want to hear “binge-watch cartoons,” be firm and avoid eye contact.
- Embrace Spontaneity. It’s equally important to leave some days open for spontaneous fun. Whenever we have a scheduled activity, my kids miraculously decide to play nicely together, and I’m left having to break up their peaceful playtime. Sometimes I tell them we have a plan when, in reality, we’re just going with the flow.
- Surprise and Delight. Kids adore surprises, and they don’t have to be grand. Whether it’s s’mores for breakfast or a surprise bucket of water balloons, the joy it brings is priceless. Just calling it a surprise makes it feel special, and it’ll keep them entertained for a few extra minutes.
Running Camp Stay-At-Home means every minute counts, so use these tips to keep the summer chaos manageable and fun. And if you’re considering starting your own family, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination here. For more insights on creating your family, visit this page and discover practical options, including the at-home insemination kit from Make a Mom.
Summary:
Summer vacations can be a challenge for parents who choose to keep their kids home rather than sending them to camp. By stocking up on popsicles, using rash guards for easy identification, keeping Band-Aids handy, having a flexible plan, enjoying spontaneous moments, and introducing surprises, you can make the summer enjoyable for both you and your children.