ONYINYE'S MIRROR ON LIFE

Onyinye OyedeleWednesday, July 29, 2015



ANNOUNCE THIS ARTICLE
TO YOUR FRIENDS

"SUMMER STRUGGLES"


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um, I am hungry!" "Mum, I am bored." "Mum, can we go to the park?" Mum, I am schoolsick!" These are just a few summer anthems from kids! Behold the Summer Struggles of mothers! We can't even get to sleep in, eh! And sure, your routine changes as you probably schedule your work vacation to be available to the kids. So now you really get to "bond" and see your children in "action."

Just as I was giving my children the "speech" and "if I get you" look, at the store, I saw other mums trying to catch or call their kids to order as they tried to do some shopping at the supermarket; one kid was attempting to climb on the shelves! Another was taking a shot at an invincible basketball hoop! Some were hiding between the clothing racks...others were touching and putting stuff into the shopping cart without mum's consent. Summer is a wonderful time to "enjoy" the children, but sure, lots of mums will also say that they have Summer Struggles; lack of ideas to engage kids. Vacation or Staycation, mum is always on duty!

In addition to day trips or fun activities with the kids, you are "stuck" all day and running errands becomes a tricky task. Mum starts counting down to the end of summer. The kids are constantly hungry and you find yourself yelling because all they want to do is jump up and down, bump their head, play, fight, and change their clothing multiple times!

So how can mothers engage their kids this summer? Well here are some ideas that can keep them busy for a few hours and maybe you can have some "alone" time. There are no guarantees that it will work 100% for you, but just give one or two a try and please don't give up on day one!

  • Visit a local library and borrow some books and DVDs. If the library has special programs for kids, enjoy!

  • Let the kids read while you are driving or doing some house chores.

  • Train the kids in some household chores like laundry and ironing if they are old enough.

  • Do some simple craft projects.

  • Visit a park that has a splash pad and they can enjoy playing or even have a picnic!

  • Register the kids in a Vacation Bible School (VBS). (Some churches have free programs)

  • Buy textbooks for the next grade and let them so some work. Then reward with something...maybe a Movie, ice cream, Popsicles, or a trip to the park!

  • Scout for discount deals on season passes to fun parks and rides.

  • Time with grandparents.

  • Let the kids play and be creative! Play soccer outside and throw around some balls!

  • Kids and daddy fun time, while mum runs some errands, goes for a walk or takes a power nap!

  • Plan with other mums to meet up and have a play day at the park etc.

  • Go for a walk. Sometimes they feel "trapped" at home. I think it reminds them of indoor recess in school!

  • Sleep, snooze! nap! Try to squeeze it in somewhere.

...I am still thinking of more ideas to keep my kids engaged. I have tried some of these and my Summer Struggles are more manageable! Try some, I am cheering you on. Sure, mums love their kids but there is no doubt they often need a little "KitKat" break!

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