When I was a full-time working mama I often felt the pressure of not having enough ‘quality time’ together. And, I know this isn’t just isolated to the fact that I worked a day job. Even during the summertime when I got to play the role of SAHM (stay at home mama) it was too easy to fall into the trap of lazy days in the house with TV watching for her and internet surfing for me. As needed and lazy days are, if we choose that route every day, than that’s not really quality time for us either.
But the ‘lazy day’ trap seems to be one that we fall into too easily when there is nothing planned and nothing scheduled on our calendar.
As a former teacher I should know better than to go into 10 weeks at home with my daughter, and no plan for what we will do together.
But, sometimes the research of where to go, who to go with, what to do, what’s age appropriate, and what’s inexpensive is so overwhelming!
Is the local farm free admission today? Is baby story time scheduled at the library on Wednesdays? Is this art class going to hold her attention? Are our friends available for a playdate? Will the pool be crowded? Are these events during nap time? How long will it take us to drive to where we need to go? (we live out in the country…anything usually takes 25 min + to drive to) Do I need pack a lunch? Snacks? Books? Toys? Games?
All of the thoughts that race through my mind when there is nothing on our calendar are paralyzing and when that happens who suffers? We both do, because we end up doing nothing.
This summer, I am putting my foot down!
I’m doing all I can to call my teacherly skills into action to prepare and plan activities that can be pulled out easily on those days when we have nothing on our schedule.
Today I invite you to join us on one of our summer adventures. And, you’ve gotta know since it’s me that created this activity that there will be a camera involved! Come join us for our:
This is an adventure your whole family will enjoy. Get outside, play, and see how long it takes you to find all 20 of the kid-friendly items in this challenge. If If your kids are a bit older than my munchkin, put a camera in their hands and let them go to town! Or if you still have little ones like I do take them along for the fun and see if they can point out any of the items on the list.
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And, if you love what this activity has in store for your family, don’t forget take a quick second and pay it forward. Pass this page along to your friends (by sharing on Facebook or Pinterest below), get them involved in the fun too, and let’s all go make some summer memories together. xo.