1.0
| Water play in the backyard:
Get the sprinkler going or put up a paddle
pool. Kids can be occupied for hours in the garden with a hose,
sprinkler or water guns. Get them into rash suits and sunhats, slap on
the sunscreen, and set up a sun umbrella and other shade areas. Make a
picnic and fill the chilly bin so there’s no need to run in and out
with wet feet.
|
| 2. | Photography walks:
Help your kids see their home-turf through a new
perspective – a camera lens. Take strolls through the neighbourhood
with camera in hand, and watch your budding artists capture the
everyday things that they find compelling. If nothing else, your
children will end up with a photo album of neighbourhood gems – a
memento of their childhood years.
|
| 3. | Set them a project:
To really draw out their creative genius, encourage
children to make a short film with the home camcorder (purely for the
family’s viewing pleasure). They could use costumes, props, and get
their friends involved. Mums, dads… you could offer technical support
or put in a cameo performance, but with any luck you won’t be called on
at all (buying you some sanity time).
|
| 4. | Fun and games:
Games, quizzes and crosswords are perfect at picnics,
after dinner and on the beach. They’re a great way to keep everyone in
the family on their toes. You can buy quiz/activity books or download
fresh ideas from
the Internet.
|
| 5. | Home improvement:
Paint one of the children’s bedrooms, make a
bookcase, new pillowcovers etc… Many children enjoy working on things
that will brighten up their rooms.
|
| 6. | Plant a veggie garden:
What could be more beneficial to their health
(and your pocket) than growing your own veggies? Plant the garden and
have the kids maintain and add to it over summer. Having then planted
their own food, they can also help cook it – get them in the kitchen as
your sous-chefs.
|
