It's almost that time again. Summer is just around the corner, and that means the kids are out of school for two months. I think the best idea is to plan in advance, so I am going to help you come up with a few ideas that may help to keep the kids away from the iPad and TV and do something more 'old school' -- like in the 'olden days' before the iPads, iPhones, smartphones, Apple TV, Netflix, Dora and Diego.
I watched a brilliant video recently that talked about the unsocial behavior on so-called social media websites. It spoke about the need and desire people have nowadays of staying constantly connected to post after post, text after text. As a result, it said, people are walking around with their heads down. They are not able to experience the beauty that exists around them or even interact face-to face-with human beings. I know - I am completely guilty of that, and it seems as if our children are picking up the same habits of unsocial social behavior. So my idea is to commit to getting both you and your kids outdoors. Trust me - they will not remember every summer, but they will remember the summers that they spent having fun with their parents.
As a child, I loved making things and selling them. The lemonade stand and cookie stand were among my favorites. I loved making batches mixed with lemon and lime, perfectly sweet, and selling them on my corner along with my siblings. This is a really fun activity to do as a family; it begins with the decorating/stand making. It also allows for an opportunity to start talking to your kids about proper work ethic. It's nice to hear children's questions and have them understand that money just doesn't appear and that you have to work for it.
Water activities are also fun to do as a family. Aside from going to the beach or on the boat, setting up a water park in your backyard is a blast! Consider water stations like the water balloon toss, bobbing for apples, water gun fights or even a slip and slide set up. Homemade popsicles and hamburgers are a nice addition for that day.
Arts and craft activities are also a hit with the kids. From sidewalk chalk drawing to hopscotch, finger painting, face painting, using food coloring to color shaving cream or making a bird feeder for the backyard from items you can find in your house, there are all sorts of fun art projects that can be done that I am sure both you and your kids will enjoy.
Summertime fun is something to look forward to with your kids. Try to make a commitment to yourself and your kids to participate more often. Your kids won't be kids forever, so take advantage of every opportunity you can to have playtime and fun with them. All the phone calls and emails can wait once in a while.
Love & hugs!
o Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counselor (CLC), and founder of Bun in the Oven. For more information, give us a call at 601-6977 or visit us at the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza, next to Starbucks. Follow us on facebook at babybunintheoven, email us at info@babybunintheoven.com, visit us at www.babybunintheoven.com.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian