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Ten Summer Experiences Every Child Should Have
Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
I dig Stef's top 10 lists. I like to make lists. Perhaps it is because I don't have the brain cells left to read full paragraphs. Lists are simple, straightforward, and to the point.
With this in mind, it's time to talk summer. It. is. NOT. Over.
Everywhere I venture I see "BACK TO SCHOOL" sales. Ugh. Halloween decorations? THIS is ridiculous.
It is summer.
It is still time to get out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of summer.
Nothing helps children grow better than hands-on learning and a little family fun.
No matter if you've just given birth or your kiddo has been around a while, here's your list of MUST dos.
Make it easy on yourself. Print off the list and get out there and enjoy with your little one in tow.
10. Go out, lay down on your back in the grass, and look up at the sky. Make shapes from the clouds or simply close your eyes and soak in the sun (just a little of course and don't forget - if your kiddo is over 6 months of age - the sunscreen!)
9. Go to an old-fashioned, mom and pop, ice cream stand and order a banana split. Though I can't recommend sharing this with your infant, a little taste for your toddler (just a little!) will surely be a summer sweet treat.
8. Take a walk in the woods. THIS is what jogger strollers were made for.
7. Forget about bedtime and stay out and watch the sunset.
6. Catch fireflies.
5. Visit a local farmer's market and buy lots of whatever is local and fresh. Eat!
4. Paint rocks with watercolors. When you are done, grab a garden hose for easy clean up (but don't spray the rocks; the paint will come off!)
3. Attend a county fair.
2. Go out late one night and look up at the sky. If you are up with a kiddo, you might as well as enjoy the magic of the nighttime sky.
1. Start a family tradition that will remind you of the magic of summer. For us, it's an annual visit to a little resort town about 30 minutes from our house. It's an afternoon of ice cream, a ride on a carousel with the little one, a walk down main street, and simply the joy of returning once a year to see what has changed and watch as our little one grows a little bigger and discovers something new. It's about slowing summer down and having some family fun.
What's on your to-do list this summer?
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