Summertime Fun!

It’s the good old summertime, a time to kick back and relax a bit. But even though there may be less demands on your family’s calendar, don’t forget that young children need a predictable routine to create a sense of security and order. Even older kids need routines to help establish self-discipline and responsibility. While the flexibility of summer is a welcome relief to over-scheduled families, it’s important to maintain regular meal- and bedtimes, even if they are a little later than usual. By keeping a routine that’s predictable, you can prevent summer from becoming too lazy or crazy!

School may be over, but there’s no reason for the learning to end. The Richmond area offers a plethora of opportunities to enrich everyone’s education, both young and old. Check out one of the many museums, many of which offer special programs geared toward families. Perhaps, your child wants to learn to play golf, cook dinner or knit a scarf. Summer is a great time to learn new skills and many organizations offer classes or camps. Check out Richmond Kids.com for an extensive listing of area camps and programs.

Playing with your children gives them memories to last their lifetime And, what better time than summer to splash in the pool, run through a backyard sprinkler, or chase fireflies under the stars. Round up the neighborhood kids and organize a game of kickball or flashlight tag. Remember to model sportsmanlike behavior and keep the emphasis on effort and having fun. Feel like a little adventure, check out the Virginia Tourism Guide for Kids for some great ideas for short excursions, daytrips or weekend getaways. But also make sure your children have plenty of time to do nothing and just be a kid. Let them decide what to do with their free time, it will foster their creativity and personal style, as well as encourage independence.

If you don’t already have one, the summer is a great time to create a chore chart or other plan that involves your children in helping out around the house. Make up a list of simple jobs and assign your child tasks with deadlines for completion. Be consistent with your expectations and before you know it, daily chores will become part of their routine, giving you a little more time to enjoy the summer. By doing this, you teach them how to be responsible and dependable, and reinforce the importance of working together as a family. In July, join children all over Virginia who will set up lemonade stands to raise money for pediatric cancer treatment and research for their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. Click here to learn more about this effort in central Virginia.

Don’t forget that summer is a time for celebrating. On Father’s Day, let your children show how much they love Dad with home-made cards or a backyard barbeque. Ask Dad to reminisce about his father and favorite summertime memories from his childhood. Sharing stories is an ideal way to strengthen communication with your children. And simply spending time together, whether on a special outing or just sitting in the backyard, is the best way to let your children know they are valued and love.