Let's face it. Our kids are completely spoiled with On Demand television, Netflix, Youtube, Facebook, Ipods, and, of course, video games. What ever happened to the hours of boring daytime soaps and endless episodes of The Price Is Right that drove us kids outside in the summer? Here are a few summertime pastimes to get the kids outside again- we're bringing back the old!
First, the basics-- jump ropes, chalk, and balls are always fun. So many games can be played using these simple items. Double Dutch, Red Rover, Hopscotch, Dodge Ball, Kick Ball-- the list goes on and on. So many life skills taught on the playgrounds in previous generations, such as team work, camaraderie, perseverance, and ambition are being missed out on due to all the easily accessible forms of children and teen entertainment of today's constantly changing world.
Another favorite is Lawn Darts. This is the game where kids were given big plastic darts with metal tips that, upon throwing them as far as they could, brought the dart crashing into the dirt and anyone else who was unlucky enough to be close. Don't worry, though-- the newer soft tipped version, available at Walmart, is safer for kids.
It seems like every apartment complex and most subdivisions have pools, which give families a wonderful outlet to stay cool during the sweltering summer months but families who don't have this perk find themselves paying skyrocketing prices for pool and waterpark memberships just to fight the mob of others also trying to find solace from the sun. Instead, put up a sprinkler or a Slip N Slide in the backyard and watch the kids go crazy! Better yet, fill up dozens of water balloons and have a neighborhood water war!
Get biking! Biking has been keeping children and adults healthy and happy for almost 200 years so why stop now? There is just something so carefree about zipping along on two wheels with the wind and sunshine on your face. Not only is biking a great way to spend time with kids of any age, biking also helps build endurance, keeping your family's hearts healthy. Check here for some great biking in the Cincinnati area.
Finally, tell them to get a job! There is no better time than summer to begin learning about money than in the summer when kids actually have several ways to earn a buck. From having a yard sale to delivering the local paper to creating a Lemonade Stand, summertime allows kids to become responsible and self reliant, definitely positive traits to help them grow into productive members of society. Who knows? With all this dough they could be making, maybe your kids will take you out for a little fun!
Comments