KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED THIS SUMMER

Even if the kiddos attend summer school or camp during the summer, parents may hear “I’m bored” more than usual, especially if bad weather or high temperatures keep them indoors. But there are many ways to keep them occupied that won’t break the bank.

Even if you’re not experienced with arts and crafts, there are simple projects you can do with the kids or supervise that will work their creative brain. Put together a craft bin that contains some old magazines, construction paper, stickers, kid-friendly scissors, and glue sticks, along with crayons or markers. The kids can turn an old shoe box into a box for the treasures they collect. They can make homemade cards to send to relatives or to a local nursing home. A collage of pictures on a piece of construction paper or poster board makes cool art for their room, and a scrapbook filled with their own take on their summer adventures will become a cherished keepsake. Feeling a little more ambitious? This site has a ton of simple craft projects with easy instructions.

Select a picture from a magazine or online and make up stories about the people in it with your kids, each of you contributing the next step. Then have them choose a picture to write a story about. You can even encourage them to write fanfiction about their favorite characters in a book they love, and changing the events of the story is encouraged!

For older kids, get them involved in your projects! From re-potting plants to working on the car to making DIY projects for the house, you’ll get to spend quality time with them that teaches them something. And just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean the learning stops! If you’ll be visiting a historical site on vacation, do some early research on the site and its significance. Then watch a kid-friendly movie set in the time period and spot the people you read about together.

Pinewood Estates wants you and your family to make the most of your summer! If you have any service requests, you can submit them using the online Service Manager at www.pinewoodestatesMHC.com and we’re always happy to hear from residents at 208-522-3807 or Amy@thebostongroup.us.