School’s Out-Now What!

Those are the two words that can strike fear (or joy) in the hearts of many moms who work from home.  For those who have school aged children “summer” takes on a variety of meanings.

On the upside, you have a break from time consuming homework and projects.  Also, many after school activities cease-providing you with more time in the office.

But here comes the downside-lots of free time for the kids while mom has to be in the office working.  Not one to let the T.V. or Xbox provide hours of endless entertainment, I’ve often wrestled with what is the best way to keep the kids happy and entertained while I’m at work.

One savior for many working parents has been camp. I don’t remember camp being a big thing back when I was a kid but it certainly is now.  The only issue with camp, especially with younger children, is to select the camp that your child will enjoy.  The last thing you want to do each morning is have to drag your child to camp where you know they may be unhappy.

Also, take into consideration that many camps also go on several field trips throughout the week, which is great but I have “wanderers” so letting them loose in the Broward Science Center with hundreds of other campers leaves me feeling a little uneasy.

So year after year my children attend a summer camp at their former preschool.   A small Methodist church, this camp is as basic and old school as they come-and they love it.  No electronics, one large room loaded with board games, books and four square, plus the mother of all pluses-this camp is only $20 a day.  They go nowhere, but have events each day such as a water slide, a magician or karate lessons.  Also, it’s free play all day long, which is really what my kids want to do during the summer.

Although it’s a camp for elementary aged children, my son is spending time at camp too.  This year he is attending as a counselor in training.  He doesn’t get paid, but goes to camp specifically to assist the counselors.  Middle school aged children are at an especially tricky age-they are old enough to occupy themselves but if you let them loose all summer, many of them (my son, specifically) will spend hours on Xbox or watching endless episodes of South Park.

Some of my other friends who work from home are sharing childcare and having play dates after work or swapping days.  Another option is to create a daily schedule for children where they have a set amount of time on the computer, T.V. or reading.

One thing I always include throughout the summer are academic workbooks (groan from the peanut gallery).  When my kids check out during the summer I’ve learned that the beginning of the school year is tremendously more difficult. Typically I’ll ask my kids’ teachers for workbook recommendations-which usually consists of a review of the current year with a preview of the upcoming grade.  The kids complete one or two workbook pages per day and I’ll usually give them a small reward for completing pages.

Whatever your summer plans include, check back or start a conversation with other moms on WAHM.com for ideas and inspiration on what to do with your children this summer.  And above all…have a safe and FUN summer-take some time for yourself if possible.