A Mom’s Guide: How to Have The Best Summer Ever in The Middle of a Global Pandemic

Published On: August 8, 2020|Categories: Children, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), Health & Fitness, Jasper IN Real Estate, Kids & Teenagers, Seasonal, Things to Do, Things to Do, Things To Do, Things To Do, Things To Do, Things To Do, Things To Do, Things to Do|Tags: backyard fun, best summer, Coronavirus, coronavirus and children, Coronavirus and Kids, covid, Covid-19, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), Covid-19 and children, Covid19, covid19 and children, geocaching, moms guide|

Summer is looking a little different for everyone and that is especially true for the mamas with young children that are used to beach trips, ice cream shop pit stops, and a whole myriad of not particularly socially distanced fun. Unless you’re excited to practically play tag with your kiddos, chasing them around with a bottomless bottle of hand sanitizer, it can feel like summer vacation was canceled by COVID-19 (Coronavirus). But don’t despair, fun is still on the agenda.

Idea 1: Invest in Backyard Water Fun

It’s hot and nothing will set your kids on the fast-track to becoming cranky like oppressive, inescapable heat. Throw in some whining and suddenly you’re as frustrated as they are, ready to snap at the smallest annoyance.

If you can’t go anywhere, you’ll need to bring the fun to you. And luckily, an easy and inexpensive fix is hiding right in your backyard. Do you have a hose? If the answer is yes, then invest in a few fun water toys — a wading pool, some water balloons, or even a good old-fashioned sprinkler will do – and bask in the many hours of contentment they are sure to bring you. If you’re into it, grab a lawn chair and a beverage and join your crew! You can count on enjoying a few errant splashes as you supervise. Bonus: there’s nothing like a little sun and water to burn up your kids’ energy, so you can look forward to some good sleep tonight!

Idea 2: Keep Them Motivated With a Summer Long Challenge

If you’re a goal-oriented mom, designing a simple challenge or project to guide your kids through making achievable goals can be a fun way to keep them motivated and engaged through the summer.

No need to get fancy here either. You can keep it as simple as a reading challenge or a walking goal. If you like a little instant gratification to motivate you, find the best homemade popsicle or DIY ice cream recipe. Taste-testing a new combination every week until your family finds the perfect one is a delightful way to spend the summer.

Achievable goals are motivating for all, regardless of age, and it’s a great skill to instill in your kids, so don’t forget to pat yourself on the back while you scoop up that ice cream.

Idea 3: Give Yourself (and them) a Break

Every day is not going to be awesome. Accept that now and you’ll be on the right track. Everyone is out of sorts – including the kids. They’re probably used to socializing in some way too, either at school or daycare, or playing with some neighborhood kids, and temporarily losing that part of their routine is likely shaking things up for them. If you’re a working mom, trying to swing parenting and completing a productive 40-hour work week from your guest room turned makeshift office can be especially frustrating. That’s okay! Everyone is winging it through this strange and completely unprecedented season of life.

Temper your expectations.

If you survive and so do the kids, and you can find it in your heart to be happy enough with that, you have successfully won the day.

This summer is bound to be one for the books. Weird, maybe chaotic, definitely memorable, and ideally, 100% fun. So grab yourself a pool or sprinkler, set an achievable goal, and remember – don’t stress about it.

Idea 4: Go GeoCaching

Have you ever done a scavenger hunt? It can be a lot of planning, which is why GeoCaching is the perfect activity for you and your kids! Geocaching is like the worlds largest Treasure Hunt! Simply pull out your phone and download the ‘GeoCaching’ app. Sign up and go to the map to find hundreds of GeoCaches in Dubois County! Its tons of fun and will keep your kids occupied for hours on end! You may even start a family tradition that lasts for generations! Be sure to visit the GeoCaching website to check out the rules before you go.

Idea 5: Downloadables

By now you are probably pretty tired of trying to keep the kids focused on learning but before you give up, consider the TONS of downloadable activities that are available online, some that even include activities! En-Courage Kids has a weekly fun-family guide list they will email to you, Scholastic has Printables for kids of all ages and Parents.com has a ton of Scavenger Hunt ideas for kids and free printables! Need even more ideas? Google “Kids Summer Activities” or “Kids Downloadable Activities” and you will get millions of sites with tons of ideas. Pinterest is another great place to find fun arts & craft ideas for kids and downloadable activities!

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