I have to admit, the current ‘You only have 18 years with your child’ quote that is going around is only doing one thing for me. Making me feel guilty and pressured. Which is a whole different post.
Instead what I feel needs to be recognised is that children do not need ‘meaningful’ experiences to fill every day. Life is meaningful enough. And experiences don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. So with that in mind, here are some of the things we will be doing this summer.
- Getting outside, whatever the weather.
This will always be my number one answer. Children are able to experience so much by just moving their play and observations to the outdoors. It is free. It makes them healthy. What more could you ask for.
- Fruit Picking.
I have such fond memories of going along to pick your own’s and choosing which strawberries went into my own tub. There are still many with fruit ripe to pick. With the current heat wave, we were able to harvest these blackberries that were growing in the garden. Why not try a new fruit at the same time!
- Water Play.
One of the best things about the summer sun is that clothes will dry quickly, so it doesn’t matter how wet children get! Water play is a brilliant and engaging activity, as they can practice skills such as transference and capacity. You do not need to have the latest water table or paddling pool either; a few tubs and jugs will serve the same purpose. If you’re feeling the need for a change of scene, head down to your local splash park or even better, the seaside.
- Cooking.
We have our own rhythm in which we bake every Monday morning as part of our quiet at-home day. However, a hot oven is not the nicest thing to be stood in front of in the summer heat. Take this opportunity to decorate biscuits, make fruit kebabs, create your own smoothies or make ice cream. (I will post a few tried and tested recipes soon).
- Picnics.
And speaking of food, there is something so positive about eating food outside. Set up a blanket and have a picnic lunch, dinner or breakfast!
- Nature Hunt.
I will write a more in depth post of this activity soon but it is definitely one to add to the list.
- Nature Art.
I do have some craft activities planned as P is currently interested in her art materials. One activity is to make natural paint brushes from different branches and leaves and to see the effects on paper.
- Visit a beach / museum / soft play / art gallery / theme park
Don’t get me wrong, we all need a bit of enhanced experience at times. However, we really want P to know that days out are a treat and will not be the norm for us. So yes… we have been to the ‘Pig world’… and no… I didn’t enjoy any of the rides*
* Complete lies. Grampy rabbit’s ride was the best.
What will you be doing for the rest of this Summer?
Across The Seasons 