Take every chance you can this summer to make memories and enjoy life to the fullest.
After last summer, it feels like a huge albatross has been removed from our necks and we can stand taller, laugh louder and live again! We need to realize the gift of living a bit less nervously about going to eat ice cream at a picnic table beside an ice cream shop, swimming in a public pool and visiting an amusement park. As long as we practice safety measures, we can truly seize the summer days.
To actually seize an unscheduled day, begin by having the whole family put on their swimsuits and go outside to eat breakfast after running through the sprinkler. Or have the all the kids write down on slips of paper something they want to do this summer, then put the papers into a jar. Choose a slip of paper and go—to the zoo, park, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Worlds of Fun, Grandma’s house or just onto the couch to watch a favorite movie. Encourage your kiddos to think outside the box and try different activities.
Encourage spontaneity—grab everyone, get in the car and drive. Wherever you end up, enjoy yourselves. So many lakes in our area offer visitors fun activities. For example, Lake Jacomo's marina provides boat rental, concessions, lakeside gasoline, tackle, bait and dock fishing. It boasts three boat ramps for easy access, and little fishermen can catch crappie, bluegill, large-mouth bass, carp, catfish, hybrid striped bass and walleye.
Lake Jacomo is just one of many … when you search lakes in the greater Kansas City area, you will find many more ideas. Another is Blue Springs Lake, which offers a swimming beach, boat rental, concessions, tackle, bait, and—if you are very adventurous—you can purchase a boat to stay in overnight. Talk about a staycation on the water!
The most valuable thing you can do is teach relaxation by example. Seizing relaxation is not something to think too hard about. Try picking a nature trail near you. Simply take a walk or run, whichever suits your family, and notice the birds, the rocks, the stream and the leaves.
Local parks are another way to enjoy the season. Playgrounds are great places for socialization and adventure. Lea Mckeighan Park is a favorite, with creative animals to climb on, musical instruments made of steel to play with and even a zip line to glide along. There is plenty of grassy space to run around on, too. Be sure to research their website to find out details.
Summer fairs will be happening once again and are nice outdoor walking events to enjoy. Check websites for these delightful events.
Camping is a fantastic way to seize time with your children this summer. There are a variety of ways to do this. Try camping or glamping in a rented camper. Chance Adventure Company offers airstreams to rent with a variety of options. They will either drive the camper to a location, or you can pull it yourself with your truck. Many companies will rent families an RV. This is a wonderful way to see the country and build strong bonds with your family.
We all attempt to maintain momentum, but slipping into a totally lazy summer of lethargy is an easy trap. Make sure you maintain some sort of schedule during the summer, so when the kids go back to school, whether in person or online, they will not be overwhelmed. Put a schedule on the fridge that you and your kids make together. Who is making breakfast on Tuesday? Who is watering the garden? Who is walking the dog or cleaning the litterbox? With more free time, you also have more opportunities to teach life skills. When you are doing yoga, try showing your kids some simple moves they can do with you. When you are barbecuing outside, make sure the kids help. They can arrange plates on the picnic table, decide which chips to have and help tear up lettuce and arrange pickles on the platter for hamburgers.
Another key way to keep your child engaged is to read together. Visit your library website to find the best books for your child’s age and interests. Many are available to rent free online, and when you actually select a book from the library list and reserve it, your child will feel anticipation to get the book.
With this summer looking wonderfully different from last summer, make sure to squeeze in as much fun as possible. Keeping everyone engaged and entertained is a fun task—embrace it! But don’t let an exhausting zeal for fun eclipse savoring the ordinary moments of summertime. You never know what surprises will delight your family!
Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Sources: TheAnxiousMa.com, MomCollective.com