5 Ways to Have an Unplugged Summer

Some of my favorite summer memories growing up, were spent outside. I'm guessing kids do not register heat like adults do, because I do not remember it being so difficult to stay outside longer than 30 minutes during the summer, like it does now! I remember baseball games with my siblings, running through the sprinkler, cold watermelon on the front porch. I remember playing with my sister and cousins in my Memaw's front yard. We would climb trees, play 'house', and sit in her shaded front porch and drink ice cold water as a break. These are the kind of memories I want for my children, however, how many times do I hear 'what can I do now?' and 'Can I just watch something?'.

I am thankful we've never bought my son a tablet, so there is no weaning him off of it, but I've been convicted about the amount of other screen time that he gets. I know other mamma's struggle with kid's constantly wanting to play video games. Or feel how easy it is for screen time to be a go to. However, If you are like me, and would rather have more camping in homemade forts nights, than them playing Fortnite (see what I did there?) then read ahead on some ways you -and I- can have a unplugged summers, this year!

 1. You are the Parent!
Um, what? That isn't a way to be unplugged, is it? Y'all, the easy thing is to give in to your kid when they are bored. As parent's, though, we know that what is easy, isn't always what is best. If you want your kids to have an unplugged summer, then you will have to be the parent and limit devices and TV. I am not completely cutting TV this summer, but I am limiting it. You can do it too. Trade in those devices and TV for memories that will last!

2. Schedule and Routine
Having a plan is a way to set yourself up to win! I am not one to want to bog down the freedom of summer with a lot of set schedules, but having a routine can help things to be accomplished and plans to be executed. For my son, since he is little, I am creating a colored routine chart to help him know what comes next during the day. This way, instead of coming to me wanting to know what to do, he can go look at the chart and know what the plan is for the day.

3. Boredom Busters
I don't remember my mom having these when I was a kid. It was more, go play or I'll put you to work, kind of a thing. ha! However, Pinterest has so many cute activities and Ideas, that I want to add this category. You could have a 'make it Monday' and 'Take a trip Tuesday'. For us, this year, I am having a quiet time basket. Each week (or every couple of weeks) I'll have a themed basket filled with books, puzzles, and small activities (like lacing, water beads, coloring book, etc. ) that he can do while it is really hot outside. I've also included some colorful dollar store workbooks to help him remember what we studied during the school year. I may also look up some fun Pinterest activities to do a few days a week.

4. Family Game Time
Our game cabinet is full of board and card games that we only rarely play as a family. My son is nearing 5, and he is starting to catch on to games like UNO, Blockus, Sorry, ect. I am planning to have a set time (that might have been spent watch a show) to play games as a family. There is nothing like bonding(or fighting!) during a family card game!

5. Go Outside!
Buy that watermelon, have that spitting seed contest. Run through the sprinkler and let your kids have water fights. These are the moments you will never get back with your children. Be present in their lives. Since we teach by example, put down the phone (talking to myself here) and watch your children grow. Swimming lessons are great, art camps are fun, but simply spending time as a family can become the fond memories your children look back on for years to come.

Happy Summer!