Most parents won’t easily admit to this, but summer is a time of panic. After months of routine, there’s suddenly a wide open space in the kids’ calendar; and if it isn’t filled with summer workshops, the dreaded lament echoes through the house: “Mommy, wala akong magawa!”
Mommy, who herself doesn’t get a summer break, has to scramble for playdates and activities, as she wrestles with the guilt of letting the kids have too much screen time in the absence of giving them something better to do.
Our advice? Go old school. Let the kids go out and play.
Here are 8 easy and fun activities that cost next to nothing, inspired by the recently concluded #Malasimbo2016, a festival that always manages to bring out the kid in every adult by reconnecting him with music, art, and nature.
Read: 5 Reasons why Malasimbo is the most family-friendly concert party vacation you’ll go to this year
Chill out, go out, and have fun this summer, moms!
Make flower crowns
A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀????FLOWER CROWNS???? (@styleddollydaughterph) on
Pick blooms from your garden and string them together to make flower crowns. All you need extra is a roll of thin, bendable wire! See this video for a DIY tutorial.
Have a family photo/video shoot!
Now that you're all dolled up, why not whip out the camera and take a family portrait? The kids can help with the set-up and styling, and we're sure everyone will have fun when it's time to go "wacky".
You can also take videos to capture the feel of the moment. You'll have fun looking back at these silly clips when the kids grow up!
A video posted by Raiza Poquiz (@rpqz) on
Invent a new game using things around the house
Breathe new life into an old toy by using it as a prop! If adults can find hula-hoops fun again, your kids will surely be able to come up with creative ways to reuse toys they haven't played with in years.
A photo posted by Luisa Jimenez (@worldofpatterns) on
Go camping!
A photo posted by Marvin Delfin Cabrera (@marvarace) on
Spend a night under the stars, even if it's just in your own backyard. The kids will have a blast setting up the tent and telling spooky stories at night. Make the experience extra special and just a bit more authentic by making s'mores using this easy recipe.
What to do if you don't have a tent lying around the house? See the creative solution on the next page.
Build a tepee!
A photo posted by @ixaescario on
3 poles and a large blanket or bed sheet are all you need to create a tepee. If you can't find poles that are long enough, bind shorter ones together or be creative and go all-out makeshift by strategically clipping the cloth onto a clothesline!
Make a dreamcatcher
Keep to the Native American theme and hang a dreamcatcher or a similar project like wind chimes, outside your tepee. They're inexpensive (most of the materials you'll need are already in your crafts drawer) and fun to make! We bet you can't stop at just making one.
A photo posted by Nelson Calipes (@nelsoncalipes) on
A photo posted by Nelson Calipes (@nelsoncalipes) on
Spend time with the family pet
When the family first gets a pet, all its members can't wait to get home to play with the cute little thing. Sadly, as time goes by, the family pet becomes neglected and playing time gets lost in the hustle of everyday life.
Summer is the perfect time to spend quality time with these extra special members of the family. Tummy rubs incoming!
A photo posted by ANDI OLBÉS (@andiolbes) on
Get to know the neighbors
You've lived beside them for years and exchanged Christmas presents, but there's never really been time to sit down and have a chat with your neighbors. Invite them over for a cup of coffee as the kids play together.
A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀????FLOWER CROWNS???? (@styleddollydaughterph) on
You might just find lifelong friends next door.
A photo posted by Lemuel Paule (@lemueloodle) on
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!
