FamilyPixieDust: Travel Tips, Tricks & Ideas for the Whole Family

Summertime brain booster Ideas

This might not apply to you if you are working but you can always leave a detailed list for the babysitter. I am not responsible by any means for how your children react. I am an experienced mother of 2 teen boys as well as support educator since 2015. These are simply ideas.

During the summer I really enjoy time spent with my children which is such a special time!! I really treasure these times because the years are passing so quickly. However, during the summer children really lose a lot of what they have learned during the school year, plus we want to keep those creative juices flowing and not stagnant from sitting on screens for a considerable amount of time.

An hour a day – I feel – is excellent for keeping their brains charged and divergent thinking.  My kids really do not enjoy this and as they are getting older it is getting harder.  Don’t forget – you are the parent and not their friend.  Put your foot down. Make them earn phone 📲 and screen time.

Every morning Write 3 Things Grateful For

This is something they will do before they start anything else because doing this is scientifically proven to make you a happier person!  Why not state what they are thankful for in life each morning?  Even if it is the smallest or silliest thing.

🛏️Every Morning Make Bed & Designate Some Sort of Chore

🧹Pick One Day a Week To Help You Clean

Wednesdays – Write or Analyze Poetry 

Poetry is fun. Pull some books from the library 

Tuesdays Vocab Words

✍️On Tuesdays have your kids research 2 strong vocabulary words, write the definition, 2 synonyms and 2 antonyms as well as a sentence.  

Fridays State Birds Research 

🐦Every Friday pick a state individual to each child you have and have them research the state bird.

Monday Math

Have your kids do 30 minutes of a math skill and then switch it up and do some other math related program for another 30 minutes.

Monday Nights – we will attend the YMCA because it is the longest amount of time to play basketball 🏀in the open gym while I workout.

I have ordered packets online but there are also some great online math programs:

IXL

The Aleks Program

Khan Academy

Sum Dog

Here are 2 items I have ordered for summer brain activities from Amazon:

Filler Ideas for Summer:

KIDS BOWL FREE – bowling once a week at our local bowling alley. Only need to pay for shoes. Adults are $10 for the season.

Environmental Centers, Gardens, Art Trails or Nature Walks Once a Week. Start making a list now of free places to visit where you might be able to bring a picnic lunch! I am totally fine with Pokemon Go hunting since it involves walking and being outside.

Museum / Aquarium Season Passes

Other Ideas:

Lunch with Dad / Grandparents / Family Member (if at all possible) once a week

Paint a Flower Pot

Clay – pottery

Swimming at your local state park lake if you do not have a pool.  Swimming at the local state park can be fun to meet a group of friends!

Garden

Mow Lawn

Ocean Shore Walking Nature Trails

Collect Shells at the Beach

Research Parks with Tennis Courts

We started a Pet Sitting Business so my children accompany me to take care of pets while their owners are away on vacation. It gives them a sense of responsibility as well as caring. It shows that when you work you have no choice but to show up and how others depend on you.

I hope that you find some of these ideas helpful and useful. I would love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

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