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| Image: John Morgan |
Written by Crystal Schwalger
Last Thursday marked the end of another school year in Washington County, the day all school age kids look forward to and most parents dread. And why? Because it marked the end of structure for our kids. I know there are some families that still get their kids up early and stick to a somewhat normal schedule, but most families I know—including myself—have things go crazy. At least at first. Kids want to stay up late, play all night, and do all the things they weren’t allowed to do when school was in session. Unfortunately, once they get that out of their system, we end up dealing with the B-word statement that all parents hate to hear: “Mom, I’m bored.” Boredom, as we parents know, can be a dangerous thing. Because when children have nothing to do, getting into mischief is always a sure way to make life more exciting.
So what is a parent to do? Every year we deal with this question, and every year I try to do things a little better. This year, I have a little more time on my hands than I’ve had in summers past, and I intend to make the most of it. I don’t know about you, but I love hanging out with my kids. I think I learn more about myself when I am with them than at any other time. Being able to spend time with your kids is a gift. They can drive you crazy sometimes, but they can also bring a kind of whimsical fun that sometimes we as parents have forgotten. Who else is going to build a fort with you under the kitchen table, look for fairies in the flower garden, or remind you to lie on the grass and see what kind of creatures you see in the clouds? They remind us to seize the day and find the fun in life.
So how can we make the most of summer with our kids? That is the ultimate question. Do you let them do whatever they want, or do you fill up their day with lists of chores, books, and other activities? Ultimately, it really comes down to what each parent wants their children to get out of summer and the values they wish to pass on. In my opinion, there needs to be a balance between the two. I don’t want my kids to veg out and forget everything they have learned over the school year, but I also don’t want them overbooked and stressed out with too many scheduled activities.
Anything that will foster a child’s imagination and keep them active both physically and mentally is probably a good choice. There are endless places to see and things to do that are sure to keep children engaged as well as entertained, and the best part is that not all of them have to cost money.
This year I heard about a new program being promoted by the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. It’s called the “Play Unplugged” Program. This awesome program not only challenges kids to “unplug” from technology, but it also allows them to get fun badges that they can “collect” on their very own Play Unplugged lanyard. Badges can be earned for everything from fishing to tennis and everything in between that a kid might be interested in. Businesses around St. George are also teaming up to help kids earn badges. I, for one, am super excited about this program and plan on having my son participate. What’s totally cool about this program is that it was started by a couple of Utah dads who were worried that their kids were becoming overly disconnected from the world around them. They thought that if they could come up with 101 outside activities that their kids would like, that maybe, just maybe, they could get their kids to disconnect from the TV and computer games that seemed to dominate their life. Their idea caught on and is now in over 18 communities across Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming. If you are interested in participating in this program, you can find out more information by going to http://weplayunplugged.com/stgeorge/.
With the weather being so nice, outdoor activities are a good bet. Personally, I love gardening and encourage my kids to have an appreciation for growing things. Why not give your kids some seeds or small flower/vegetable starts and help them to plant and care for them?
Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or walking trails are tons of fun, and a low cost activity depending on where you go. Here in southern Utah, the trails and hiking choices are plenty. Another boredom buster is to visit the local parks. Many parks have splash pads or other water features that counter the heat, cost nothing, and are good fun for everybody.
If your kids are into sports, summer is a good time to practice without all the pressures of organized games. Let them catch up on swimming stokes, free throws, or pitching styles. It also might be a good time to try out different sports that they might have interest in but were too nervous to join as a regular team during the school year. Don’t forget that all these activities can also earn your kids the Play Unplugged brag badges.
According to Psychology Today, there are certain activities that you should avoid with kids during the summer. These include “sending kids to summer academic camps (e.g., math or computer camp) or internships (e.g., law firms, hospitals, businesses) that parents think will better prepare them for college or a career.” They say that unless a child has a real passion for those things, these types of activities rarely bring joy to a child and can turn a child off to academic pursuits rather than increase it. There is plenty of time for kids to think about college and a career path when they get older.
Summer doesn’t have to be a time of year that parents dread, but instead it can be a time for parents to play and bond with their kids. It doesn’t really matter what kinds of activities you do with your kids, just do them. Sometimes it can be hard to find the time, especially if you are a working parent. I promise you though that the time you do spend with your kids is time well spent. Remember, one day the time you spend will be just a memory for your kids, so make it a good one.
Crystal Schwalger has loved writing ever since she could remember. Her love of learning led her to Dixie State University where she graduated with a degree in English and Communications. She is passionate about writing and believes that you should never give up on your dreams. She is happiest when she is at home enjoying her backyard green spaces with her family. She currently lives in Washington Utah with her husband, her children, and her dog Kali.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the sponsor of Play Unplugged as Southern Utah Health Department.
