Summertime, and the Living is Easy...

Summer is officially underway and it should be a time of unstructured schedules, fun and learning for the whole family. Think outside the box and try some new ideas and bring some old ones to life.

For parents summertime can be both exciting and stressful, whether your children are home for the summer or you have youngsters coming to visit. The thoughts of finding activities to keep everyone busy can be daunting. Children depend on you to provide some interesting things to do and at the same time you want to maintain your personal sanity.

Physical activity is an important part of growth and development. Adults need at least 30 minutes a day and children 60 minutes for improved health. This activity doesn’t have to be hard or done all at one time. The benefits of activity for you and your child are many. Active families tend to have a more stable family atmosphere and sleep better. Set the example and have fun. 

Who has not heard someone say “I’m bored”. Here are some ideas to beat boredom anytime of the year.

• Learn to skip a stone
  1. Use good stones. Any rock will skip at least once, but smooth stones will skip more.
  2. Grip the stone between the thumb and forefinger hooking your index finger around the edge.
  3. Throw the stone sidearm, directing it both out and down. Release the stone with a snap of the wrist.
• Designate certain days as TV free days. Instead of watching TV, read, draw a picture, work a puzzle or take a walk.
• Have fun running through a sprinkler.
• Pick strawberries, blueberries or fresh vegetables.
• With soaring gas prices this will be a great summer to check out your own city and state as a family.
• Have a family garage sale. Clean out the clutter and spend the money on an outing.
• Learn about recycling. Mark bins accordingly and your family can do their part to protect the environment.
• Read a book together. Begin a good book and read together every night on the porch or under a shade tree.
• Plant a little garden. Your family can water it and pick the fruit or vegetables.
• Play hide and seek.
• Create something from recyclables.
• Play board games such as Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit or Candyland.
• Learn to whistle really loud.
  1. Put your index fingers together to form a V-shape.
  2. Stick both fingers into your mouth to the first knuckle, stretching your lips over your teeth a bit.
  3. Use your fingers to hold the tip of your tongue near, but not touching, the roof of your mouth, as if pronouncing the letter “d.”
  4. Begin blowing, and then blow some more. It may take a little time and practice to get the perfect whistle.
• Give activity gifts—give active games or sporting equipment as gifts to encourage activity.
• Make your own backyard your child’s favorite destination. Inexpensive inflatable pools are a great way to cool off.
• Remember—having fun together helps your children form memories that will last a lifetime.

Safety is also important, especially for outdoor activities.

• Children should not swim or play near with water without adult supervision.
• Wear protective headgear and reflective colors.
• Wear proper clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
• Know your community; make sure the playground is safe for your family.
• Pay attention to weather related issues; drink plenty of water

For more information, contact Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.