Summer is the perfect time to start projects with the kids. While you may be looking for exciting activities to do with your children, it’s important to remember that we are currently in the midst of a recession. Often, using the summer to be productive can be more satisfying for both you and your children than taking an overly expensive vacation together.
The big question is: What should you do? Even if you have a swimming pool, plenty of land, and tons of activities available at your house, there’s a good chance that your kids will be talking about how bored they are just a few weeks after school ends. They might grow tired of the hot weather outside and find themselves sitting in the living room, watching TV and playing video games. In between, they’ll likely be snacking and text messaging their friends to compare stories of boredom. Younger kids may become agitated and increasingly frustrated with any projects meant to keep them busy, and parents can find themselves counting down the days until school starts again. So, you get the picture—what summer projects with the kids can help ward off the boredom blues and maybe even get something accomplished? Keep reading for answers!
Creative and Productive Summer Projects for Kids
When you’re home with the kids for the summer, you have more time to tackle chores around the house. There’s less stop-and-go travel for pick-ups and extra activities, and no rigid schedule to follow. For these reasons, summer is a great time to start home improvement projects with the kids. If you or your child has been longing for a room makeover to erase the memories of ever loving Elmo or Barney, summer is the perfect time to do it. You can involve your child in painting the walls and even have time to shop for room decorations. Even if the room doesn’t need a major overhaul, reorganizing it to make things more efficient for the upcoming school year can make life smoother for everyone. While these projects might not seem like traditional “fun” activities, they will keep both you and your children busy while accomplishing some much-needed tasks. Honestly, when was the last time you really cleaned and organized your child’s room? The best part is that your kids can participate, and working together can actually be enjoyable.
Another great summer project is planting a garden. Gardening is a big responsibility, but it can also be a lot of fun. Many families plant a few tomato plants but do little else, but imagine the money you could save by turning your backyard into a garden for the summer. Growing squash, tomatoes, melons, cantaloupes, okra, beans, peanuts, potatoes, and more can teach your children valuable lessons. Watching seeds transform into plants that will eventually feed your family gives your children a greater appreciation for food. Plus, because they grew their own cucumbers, for example, they will be more likely to eat them. Involve your children in turning the soil, planting seeds, and giving them responsibility for watering the garden daily. Gardening is a fantastic, hands-on project that keeps kids outdoors, active, and engaged.
Starting a recycling or composting program at home is another low-cost project that can develop your child’s sense of accomplishment and environmental responsibility. Let them take the lead in creating a family recycling initiative, where you focus on reusing and recycling as much as possible. The lessons they learn about taking care of the earth will stay with them for the rest of their lives—and it will also make a positive impact in your home.
Summer projects with the kids don’t have to be all about home improvement. It’s important to include activities that also promote your child’s education. Make one of your summer projects focused on improving their reading levels or helping them get ready for math. Even young children can benefit from educational summer projects, and you’ll find that without the typical demands of a school environment, they can often progress much more quickly.
Of course, some summer projects with the kids should be fun and creative as well. Consider updating scrapbooks and organizing photos that haven’t been downloaded from your computer in years. You can also make Christmas shopping a summer project. Since you likely have a little more disposable income during the summer than around the holidays, this is a great time to shop for those extra people on your list. Additionally, the summer months—especially as school nears—offer excellent sales opportunities. Why not shop for gifts for grandparents, teachers, cousins, or friends now, so you’re not as stressed out during the holiday season?
Summer projects with the kids don’t have to be extravagant to create lasting memories. When you combine quality time with productive projects, you’ll not only get important tasks done but also create more opportunities for fun activities as a family. As you accomplish tasks, try to plan a special end-of-summer treat, like a vacation or a special get-together, to make the summer even more memorable for everyone.
