Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year for children, for obvious reasons, but not every parent is facing the summer with a big ole smile on their face. It is not that we don’t want the kiddos under foot, running all over the street or complaining of boredom by lunchtime on day one of summer vacation. Okay, who am I kidding?! Of course that is why the school break is sometimes met with a groan or two from the moms, dads and other caregivers who now have to entertain children who can’t sit still for five minutes without lamenting their lack of exciting things to do. It is hard enough to keep up with your regular duties, like housecleaning and laundry without adding kid duty to the list.
To help us all combat the chaotic time summer can sometimes be and make it more fun for you and your kiddos, the fine folks at Church & Dwight have a few suggestions they would like to share. I might have thrown in a tip or two myself. 🙂
1) Encourage your children to get off their phones and get outside! In the summer your kids should have no excuse to be inside! Get them off of their butts running around in the backyard and burning off excess energy. Use this time to get to that huge pile of dishes or laundry that has been piling up. To clean all those dirty clothes and remove the grass stains your kids drag in, why not use Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ Cold Water Power Paks, an inexpensive and reliable product that will leave your kids clothes looking as good as new.
2) Stay hydrated! When the go go go of summer heats up we often forget to drink! Keep everyone hydrated by having a pitcher of ice water in the fridge at all times. Add some cut up fruit for flavour and to brighten up your refreshment. If the kids balk at drinking plain ole water, get them to help you whip up a batch of homemade Popsicles. You can use inexpensive containers from the dollar store, some juice and voila, hydration in a convenient size. 🙂
3) Stay healthy! Between soccer practice, summer camp and swim lessons summer often means eating quick on-the-go meals. Take L’il Critters™ Gummy Vites™, a complete multivitamin that any kid will love, to ensure your children are getting all of their essential nutrients! Take them the same time everyday so no one forgets.
4) Pack a bag! In the summer things often come up at the last minute, like the opportunity to hit up the local splash pad, visit the park or even spend an hour or two at the beach, so we need to be prepared. Pack a bag with swimsuits, towels, hats and sunscreen and leave it in the car for just such an occasion. Toss in a fold up lawn chair and maybe even a magazine and you are good to go. 🙂
5) Keep a routine! Ensure you and your children keep a routine during the summer months even if you’ve turned off the alarm clock. Sleeping in and staying up late are great, but will lead to unproductive days. Getting your children excited about boring tasks, like brushing their teeth and completing household chores, will help your children keep a routine during the summer. Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush and Orajel Flouride and Flouride-Free Toothpastes taste great and come in popular Kids characters such as My Little Pony, Mario, Spiderman and new PAW Patrol. These cute dental accessories get them brushing all summer long because mom knows when brushing is fun, it gets done.
6) Keep the camera charged up! Summer is the perfect time to capture your kids at their best because they are relaxed and have no worries, like homework or what to wear to the school dance. Be prepared to photograph you kiddos playing in the sprinkler, hosting a lemonade stand in the driveway or singing along at the campfire. These fun photos are certain to bring a smile to your face and theirs, during the long winter months.
7) Get the kids to help with some chores! Having an extra set of hands around the house during the summer can be helpful. Talk with your kids and see what type of chores they can help with – emptying the dishwasher and setting the table are easy tasks that can give you back a few minutes of your day. Having kids fold the laundry is also a great help, and you can trust what they are folding will receive a better overall clean with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Powder – which boosts your detergent power to get out even the toughest stains.
Summer does not have to be the chaotic time of year that we think it will be. With a little planning and some secret attention to your routine, you and your kiddos can have a fun and adventure filled time together. Happy Summer!
What are your best tips for handling the crazy times of summer? Is there anything special you do?
FT&PD
Suz
kathy downey says
Those are all great products,summer can be crazy at times but protect yourself with a good sunscreen and play safe everyone !!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I think we all longingly await the arrival of summer each year, I know I do after the really tough winters we experience here. At the moment its’ very dark here (good job I don’t need to see the keys to type eh?) as we’re experiencing a viscous thunder storm at the moment. Come back sunshine, I miss you already! 🙂
Stephanie LaPlante says
Waterparks are always fun in the summer.
AD says
I make it a point to get the kiddos outside during the summer; we tend to hike, bike, swim, explore. Very few electronics are used (except for cell phones). And I always carry a survival kit (first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, wipes, etc.). That kid has been indispensable!
sabina Edwards says
LOL stock up on freezies, I’m 51 and I eat at least one a day in the summer time
Linda H says
Biking and picnics at parks are always fun.
Lynda Cook says
It’s great to get the kids outside and out of their rooms, they need the exercise and fresh air, and just to be kids!!
Cheryl says
Church has so many wonderful products! We are very active and oxy clean would perfect for those stains! Grass, dirt, Popsicles lol
kathy downey says
We had a few days last week that were nice but for the past few days its been very rainy and the cool wind from the ocean has made it terrible.Hoping for better weather to get outside and enjoy the Sun.I cant wait to put OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Powder to work on Mud and grass stains.
Treen Goodwin says
all great products , and great tips , thanks for sharing !
Jenn says
These are great tips! For us, I like to get the kids involved in making the healthy snacks. For example, we love to juice fruits and make them into a popsicle which they can then enjoy after spending time outside.
Carole Dube says
There is so much to do for crazy time in the summer. Take a walk to the park where they could burn all their energy, Have water balloon play and so much more.
Leslie Crosbie says
I love taking my kids to the beach!!
Unfortunately some summers it rains to much but then we play boardgames or bake!!
Jenn Erin says
We spend a lot of time outside so we always have to make sure we have sunscreen. We keep a tube in the car, one in bag. .. everywhere! I like the tip about the camera. I have been trying to take more photos this year.
Shirley says
Those are all good products. Getting outside and enjoying the warm weather is the best part of summer! Thanks for the tips!
Wanda Tracey says
These are all really awesome products! We love getting outside to swim,walk, bike, hike
and go camping. This is what summer is like for us.It’s so much fun!!
Jenny says
I love the hydration too. My little one is not a big fan of plain water so I’m definitely going to try adding some fruit in the water – I’m sure my little one would love strawberry in her water. I personally love adding cucumber or lemon in my water.
loucheryl says
I like to keep it simple. My boys love the wading pool. I find a park that has a wading pool so they can enjoy both. 🙂 I bring snacks and they love it!
kathy downey says
I can’t believe how clean that oxi-clean is keeping the kids cloths wish i had stated using this years ago !
kathy downey says
These are such great tips i’m so glad i changed to Oxi