Summer Survival Kit

Thu, May 26, 2011

There must be a link between fresh cut grass and incredibly active children. I’m convinced, but I can’t find research to support my hypothesis. I’m sure that grass releases some sort of stimulant as it’s cut by a mower. All children are stimulated by this phenomena while adults suffer the opposite effect: sedation.

Warm air and sunshine mixed with all the scents of summer makes me want to stretch-out in a hammock until sometime in mid-September. My kids have other plans.

Thankfully my boys thoroughly enjoy running through a sprinkler, riding bikes and digging in the dirt. The terrible two-o (like duo) get so frustrated as soon as it’s time to go inside. I’m exciting to enlist the help of a summer survival kit and some out of the ordinary crafts provided by Jill, the owner of DragonTales Pre-K.

Summer Survival Kit
No home is complete without a summer survival kit. Keep it right next to your first-aid kit because it’s certainly of equal importance. Break this out on rainy days, sick days, or when you need to keep the kids entertained while you’re on the phone trying to book a vacation.

The S.S.K. needs to remain fresh and exciting in the eyes of your kiddos in order to ensure it’s success. Remember: This is a special occasion box of fun, not an addition to the toy box.

Don’t rush to the store to purchase supplies. Try to find things that can be re-purposed before you go shopping. Chances are, you have a shipping box or some sort of container around the house you can use to contain the kit. Even an old suitcase will work.

Let the kids do the design the box. The adornment process is half the fun! When decorating, think beyond crayons and markers. Glue, buttons, feathers, ribbon, paint, pictures from magazine or even family pictures… let the kids take charge.

Think of how involved you’d like to be with each project as you choose supplies for the kit. Be mindful of motor skills and cleanliness. It’s important to realistic about your child’s skill level because these activities should be fun, not frustrating. Example: Play-doh may be a great choice for most kids, but young toddlers may not have the fine motor skills required to manipulate the dough.

Consider having two kits; a “mama needs a break” kit and a “mama wants to play” kit. If you want to be involved in the festivities, use include board games, flash cards, game cards, and craft projects.

Content suggestions are endless, but this should help you get started.

Hide all kids’ meal toys in the box.
Wooden blocks or dominoes inspire creativity and awareness of cause & effect.
Chenille stems are always fun, just be aware that sharp ends are not the best idea for toddlers or children who put things in their mouth.
Beads, glue, buttons, yarn and ribbon offer almost endless entertainment, however beads and buttons are also choking hazards: Please make age-appropriate choices.
Paint brushes, paint, and 3-D paint are always fun but make sure to use washable paint and to protect surfaces and clothing.
Supply your brood with old t-shirts and puff paint and have them create shirts for the entire family. Then actually wear the shirts… in public.
Puzzles, board games, game cards.
Toy catalogs.
Costumes.

Enjoy your summer survival kit, but please don’t forget that you need a break, too! Motherhood, or as I like to call it, “the struggle to juggle” can become over-whelming. Just spend time with your kids, we have a lot to learn from them.

For more ways to entertain the posse, click here to see the Blount Moms Today Boredom Busters section.

By Rebecca Tatum, Web Editor

Tags: Boredom Busters, Cabin Fever, Family Fun, Rebecca Tatum, Things to Do