catfish
Aspiring Chitchatter
[ss:Breezy]
Posts: 11
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Post by catfish on Mar 22, 2007 16:30:21 GMT -5
Okay, so this summer will be my first as a working MT. I'm trying to think of activities that my kids could do without my constant supervision, or even fun things we can do together after my work day is over. My boys are 7 and 9, very good at entertaining themselves, and I only work 6 hours a day, but I don't want them to spend the whole summer playing video games and watching TV. Any ideas? TIA
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Post by jhayd on Mar 22, 2007 23:34:59 GMT -5
Cat,
Here are some things that might work: 1. Weekly trip to the library. You can get books and videos that can be read/watched during the day. 2. Create a schedule for them while you're working. 3. Moms need to work, kids inevitably need to interrupt. Give them "mom" tokens. We use cheap poker chips. 3. Find some art projects that can be done without supervision. If you have a safe place to use it, modeling clay can be fun. 4. Create a calendar and keep track of good days after x number of those days, plan a fun outing like the zoo or a picnic at the park. 5. Find age appropriate board games that can be played with little supervision that has an easy set of rule. Sequence is a great game for that age. 6. Get age appropriate "school" workbooks to help keep their brains fresh while they are on vacation. 7. Ask them to help you figure out what they could do that doesn't require mom...giving them power to help might make them feel more responsible.
I'm sure there are other people that have a lot of ideas too, but these are ones that I use.
-Jhayd
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Post by stay4while on Mar 23, 2007 7:27:22 GMT -5
Those are great ideas, Jhayd. Cat, what about play dates with friends? Maybe send them off for a morning or two and trade off with the other parents another day. They would have fun and you would have them out of the house for a few hours. Gardening. Get together with them one day and make a space where they can plant their own green things. They can tend the garden while you work and learn some lessons too. That's all I've got for the moment. Gotta run and put kids on the bus
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Post by LatteLucy on Mar 23, 2007 8:43:26 GMT -5
Jhayd and Stay,
You two are fabulous. I love your ideas. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try them. My tip is that if the above doesn't work, try duct tape and a kid-friendly sound-proof closet with a box of crayons and a healthy snack! JOKING! LOL.
LatteLucy
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Post by catknipnd on Mar 23, 2007 12:45:59 GMT -5
Also check with your local parks department. Many of them have a free or minimal cost program for children during the day. I sent my nieces to one years ago when I had to sleep during the day. They loved it and made lots of new friends.
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catfish
Aspiring Chitchatter
[ss:Breezy]
Posts: 11
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Post by catfish on Mar 23, 2007 15:23:22 GMT -5
Wow, these are great suggestions. I knew I could count on you ladies.
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Post by mtnbox on Mar 29, 2007 6:45:19 GMT -5
I know when I was growing up that we had a rec center. It didn't cost too much, but we met a lot of different ppl, played games, swam, played basketball, bowling, and even a small park near by. It was only like $20 for us to get a pass for the year, and my little bro and I had a blast there!
Just my 2 cents.
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