Tween Summer Bingo

“Best. Summer. Ever.” are the words we’d all like to hear from our tween daughters. Why not make 2014 a summer to remember? Creating a summer bucket list is the perfect way to ensure your daughter’s summer days aren’t idled away in the summer sun or in front of a screen. Sitting down to create a bucket list can be half the fun when you work together to come up with realistic, varied and achievable goals. Remember that some of our best memories often come from seemingly small yet intentional activities and routines. Think of events you and your tween can do together, then truly enjoy each other’s company and make this a summer to remember. Here are a 40 suggestions to get you started:

• Photograph a sunrise and sunset on the same day.
• See a Broadway musical like The Sound of Music at Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre (July 25-31).
• Stargaze! Download the Star Walk app onto your phone or iPad.  Best $2.99 you’ll spend all summer.
• Keep a daily gratitude journal.
• Plan an authentic mom and daughter slumber party with movies, popcorn and pedicures included!
• Play flashlight tag.
• Tie-dye something.
• Rent a paddle boat or canoe at Shawnee Mission Park.
• Balloon, ribbon and fuzzy flip-flops?  Search DIY Flip-Flops on Pinterest and add flair to your feet!
• Make homemade ice cream.
• Watch Mary Poppins or Pride and Prejudice and talk in a British accent for an entire day
• Create a “Summer 2014” soundtrack. This playlist of favorite songs will be remembered for years to come.
• Build a sandcastle.
• Make a homemade lava lamp (water bottle, water, oil, food coloring and Alka-Seltzer tablets).
• Memorize the U.S. presidents in order.
• Host a family dance party.
• Attend a concert.
• Take selfies at five historical sites near or far.
• Bake cupcakes to give away to neighbors.
• Learn to knit.
• Go on a spontaneous road trip.
• Practice a new sport for one week.
• Create a really cool woven-finger knitting hula hoop rug (directions at www.AllFreeKidsCrafts.com).

Making time with your tween before summer jobs and driver’s licenses are a daily reality isn’t something you are likely to regret—and she isn’t likely to forget. Enjoy!

The Truth about the Tween Years

• Kids are considered tweens when they are pre-adolescent (generally between the ages of 9 and 12).
• Tweens are quickly developing a social conscience about the world around them.
• Enthusiastic and eager are two words often used to describe tweens.

Jena Meyerpeter is a freelance writer from Lenexa who is currently loving the tween years with her oldest daughter.