Pop quiz! The kids are out of school for the summer and you need to entertain them while keeping them safe. What do you do? The guide to summer fun and safety has all of the answers you need to ace the test.
No more pencils. No more books. No more teachers' dirty looks. School's out and, while the kids are happy about it, parents everywhere are scrambling to find activities to keep their kids busy this summer. There are a number of free summer programs for kids. The kids can stop climbing the walls and attend everything from free summer camps to Vacation Bible School.
What would summer be without time spent outside? Play in the great outdoors with nature activities that get your kids outside and on a mission. Plant a garden that appeals to every age range. Make a huge canvas and let your kids paint a masterpiece outdoors. You're guaranteed not to hear those famous words, "I'm bored!"
Those hot summer temperatures can spark thunderstorms that rain out your outdoor plans. Be prepared for wet weather with rainy day activities that will entertain the kids when they can't play outside. They can do everything from build a life-sized board game to build their own kid-friendly website. The kids will be having so much fun, they'll be tempted to stay in the house even after the clouds part.
Your family's summer vacation is one of the most memorable moments of summer. Whether you're planning a Disney vacation or planning a staycation, use some of those long summer days for quality family time. Get the kids ready with flight-related activities that prepare them for an airplane trip. Map out the attractions you want to visit in all 50 states. Pitch a tent and have a backyard campout. Pack travel games for your car trip. And, of course, be sure to take lots of vacation pictures.
Being your children's entertainment director, personal chef and private taxi this summer can quickly wipe you out. When you're ready to take a break with a girls' night in, reconnect with your spouse or indulge in some "me" time, look to some outside child care help to give you some kid-free minutes. Flexible and affordable child care help ranges from Mom's Day Out programs to babysitting cooperatives. Just remember, you deserve some summer downtime too!
That bright red nose only looks good on Rudolph. But between the playground and the beach, it's easy for kids to get scorched by the sun's rays. Even a short walk around the block can turn your family into lobsters. Before you know it, mom's face is peeling from a sunburn and the kids are sporting a farmer's tan. Follow sun safety 101 to protect everyone in your family, from the grown-ups to your newborn.
There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than splashing around in the swimming pool. Be safe by reviewing pool safety tips for parents. Thousands of kids end up in the emergency room every year because of pool-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sadly, the report also states that hundreds of children drown and 80% of those drownings occur in a backyard swimming pool. Swimming pool basics will keep you on guard but still let you enjoy your water time with the kids.
Get the bikes out of the garage, dust them off and inflate those tires. Riding bikes is a fun adventure and good exercise for everyone in your family. Be sure to practice bike safety before you hit the streets. Check the fit of everyone's helmets and inspect their bicycles. Those too young to ride their own bicycle can relax in a bike trailer. The whole family will be burning up the road this summer.
Make sure your family gets lots of water breaks this summer, even if you're not thirsty. Kids need to stay hydrated to replenish the fluids their losing just by being out in the sun. Same goes for adults. It's important to drink water for a number of reasons, including regulating your body temperature and avoiding dehydration. Always carry water with you so your family can grab a drink to stay healthy.
It never fails. You think you have all of your bases covered and then one of your kids gets hurt. Check your kids' ride-on toys for unwelcome guests. Help the kids identify poison ivy so they can stay away from it. Watch out for ticks and mosquito bites. There are many hidden summer dangers that you can head off before they become a problem so your family can have a safe and happy summer.
1. Enjoy Free Summer Programs for Kids
No more pencils. No more books. No more teachers' dirty looks. School's out and, while the kids are happy about it, parents everywhere are scrambling to find activities to keep their kids busy this summer. There are a number of free summer programs for kids. The kids can stop climbing the walls and attend everything from free summer camps to Vacation Bible School.
2. Stay Busy Outside
What would summer be without time spent outside? Play in the great outdoors with nature activities that get your kids outside and on a mission. Plant a garden that appeals to every age range. Make a huge canvas and let your kids paint a masterpiece outdoors. You're guaranteed not to hear those famous words, "I'm bored!"
3. Be Ready for Rainy Days
Those hot summer temperatures can spark thunderstorms that rain out your outdoor plans. Be prepared for wet weather with rainy day activities that will entertain the kids when they can't play outside. They can do everything from build a life-sized board game to build their own kid-friendly website. The kids will be having so much fun, they'll be tempted to stay in the house even after the clouds part.
4. Plan a Family Adventure
Your family's summer vacation is one of the most memorable moments of summer. Whether you're planning a Disney vacation or planning a staycation, use some of those long summer days for quality family time. Get the kids ready with flight-related activities that prepare them for an airplane trip. Map out the attractions you want to visit in all 50 states. Pitch a tent and have a backyard campout. Pack travel games for your car trip. And, of course, be sure to take lots of vacation pictures.
5. Find Summer Child Care
Being your children's entertainment director, personal chef and private taxi this summer can quickly wipe you out. When you're ready to take a break with a girls' night in, reconnect with your spouse or indulge in some "me" time, look to some outside child care help to give you some kid-free minutes. Flexible and affordable child care help ranges from Mom's Day Out programs to babysitting cooperatives. Just remember, you deserve some summer downtime too!
6. Follow Sun Safety Rules
That bright red nose only looks good on Rudolph. But between the playground and the beach, it's easy for kids to get scorched by the sun's rays. Even a short walk around the block can turn your family into lobsters. Before you know it, mom's face is peeling from a sunburn and the kids are sporting a farmer's tan. Follow sun safety 101 to protect everyone in your family, from the grown-ups to your newborn.
7. Review Swimming Pool Safety
There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than splashing around in the swimming pool. Be safe by reviewing pool safety tips for parents. Thousands of kids end up in the emergency room every year because of pool-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sadly, the report also states that hundreds of children drown and 80% of those drownings occur in a backyard swimming pool. Swimming pool basics will keep you on guard but still let you enjoy your water time with the kids.
8. Practice Bike Safety
Get the bikes out of the garage, dust them off and inflate those tires. Riding bikes is a fun adventure and good exercise for everyone in your family. Be sure to practice bike safety before you hit the streets. Check the fit of everyone's helmets and inspect their bicycles. Those too young to ride their own bicycle can relax in a bike trailer. The whole family will be burning up the road this summer.
9. Keep Hydrated
Make sure your family gets lots of water breaks this summer, even if you're not thirsty. Kids need to stay hydrated to replenish the fluids their losing just by being out in the sun. Same goes for adults. It's important to drink water for a number of reasons, including regulating your body temperature and avoiding dehydration. Always carry water with you so your family can grab a drink to stay healthy.
10. Be Aware of Hidden Summer Dangers
It never fails. You think you have all of your bases covered and then one of your kids gets hurt. Check your kids' ride-on toys for unwelcome guests. Help the kids identify poison ivy so they can stay away from it. Watch out for ticks and mosquito bites. There are many hidden summer dangers that you can head off before they become a problem so your family can have a safe and happy summer.