1) Library reading programs- most local libraries have reading programs for summer break and various times throughout the year. They often offer cool prizes for kids who complete so many books or hours of reading. Check out your local library to see what they offer.2) Have a "talented mom/ parent" co-op- you have lots of resources in other parents who live nearby. Get together for a play date and brainstorm about the different strengths you all have. Perhaps one of you is crafty- she can offer a craft day for the kids. Another mom is into fitness? She can have an afternoon boot camp for the kids. Have a dad in the neighborhood who is handy? He can have the kids help with building a go-kart, tree house, or some type of smaller project. Get creative and work together to create a fun and engaging break for your kids, while giving each other a couple hours off.
3) Have your kids make a bucket list for break- depending on the time of the year, your kids can make a list of things they would like to do while on break. This is great to help put them to work brainstorming, but can also bring your family together for some great bonding time. (For ideas, see my previous post- Colorado Summer Bucket List.)
3 1/2) After they've made their list, have a contest to see who can check off the most by the time school starts- even if your kids add some "creative" ideas to their list, it will be fun for them to have a competition to see who has the most items checked off at the end of break. The trick here is to prevent "cheating" by not to tell them about this idea until after they have made their lists.
4) Give your kids an old digital camera, disposable camera, or disconnected cell phone with camera feature to make their own photo album- Kids love taking pictures and it is a great way to document their break. They can have full reign and then you can help them get the pictures printed and put into a photo book, or better yet- make a digital photo book online! Make sure you don't give them your best camera, as you can imagine how that might turn out.
5) Let them choose classes to take- breaks are a great time to help your kids discover new talents and hobbies. Most local recreation centers, and even some schools, offer classes of all sorts for reasonable rates. Drawing, dancing, sports, and even science camps could be fun. It is important to give your kids some input on what they have interest in, rather than just signing them up for a bunch of classes to keep them busy. (One exception: swim lessons might be a good choice during this time, as it will relieve you of having another "to-do" during school time.)
6) Make a routine- break time does not have to be a free-for-all. Keeping some routines in place allows structure. Pick one or two non-negotiables that you want to keep in place, for example, rooms must be picked up every day and everyone is assigned a daily chore to complete.
7) Have them pick a special project- Breaks are a good time to catch up on things that have been put aside. Make a list of things you would like to see done around the house and have them pick one each week, or a few to complete over the break. These could include things like going through their clothing and bagging up what no longer fits, organizing a play room, cleaning out the junk drawer, or sweeping the garage. These could be family projects, or you may want to assign smaller steps as part of their daily chores.
8) Volunteer for something- Breaks are a great time to volunteer as a family. Visit a local nursing home, collect toys for kids who are sick, clean up a local park. Volunteering is a chance for you to bond as a family, build self-confidence, and make a difference for others.
9) Start a "business"- Allow your kids to be creative based on their strengths. Once they have come up with an idea for a business, help them figure out the logistics of how to make it work. Remember, this is fostering creativity, so it doesn't have to be a perfect business plan. There are lots of possibilities but a few ideas could be: lemonade stands, car washes, lawn service, babysitting, bake sale, dog walking/ yard clean up, making stationary, or even putting on a play. For younger kids who want to participate, they could help with pulling weeds, sorting items, making drawings, etc.
10) Find their inner artist or scientist- There are tons of ideas online for science projects and art projects. Select a few ideas for them to choose from, or have them go on Pinterest and find a project they want to do, with your approval, of course. With a bit of guidance and prep, allow them to figure it out and then replicate it to "teach" parents or siblings.
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