6 Steps to Summer Survival

The summer months can be trying on the nerves and the purse. To some parents, the financial strain is unbearable, while for others it's those nefarious words "I'm bored!!!" that really put them over the edge. Either way, we have a solution. Here's our summer survival guide made up of some fun activities to do with your kids that won't cost you a dime and some key pointers to keep things running smoothly.

This may seem obvious, but you have to take active steps to avoid boredom. Stock up on art supplies and board games, and use them frequently. Also invest in a few new toys that will excite and hold kids' interest longer than their "old, boring" toys.

ACTIVITY Crafts & Games: Here are a few great project ideas: piñata and other paper Mache projects, collages, scrapbooks and other magazine games, make a personalized puzzle, do science projects together, play the traditional games, implement some educational computer games, and printable coloring and activity pages. Indoor activity tables are also fantastic for keeping kids busy and even exercising their minds.

While they seem to be complaining all the time throughout these trying times, there might be legitimate cause. During the hot summer months, it's easy to become overheated or dehydrated. Make sure your kids are well hydrated with frequent drinks and fun water activities.

ACTIVITY Water Games: Unless you want to be running your AC the entire summer (and working extra hours in the winter to make up for it), you'd better get cool in other ways. Water fun such as water balloon fights, washing the car, running through sprinklers, and small kiddy pools let kids have fun and stay cool at the same time.

No individual person can hold your child's attention all day, every day. Changing up playmates is a good way to keep the peace between siblings and avoid that dreaded phrase "I'm bored!"

ACTIVITY Make Multiple Play Dates: Make plans to have friends come over or for your kids to go to friends' houses on a weekly basis during the summer.

Did you now that the average kid spends four hours a day in front of the television? This outlandishly high figure goes a long way to explaining kids' growing irritability, inattention and obesity. Avoid these unhealthy habits with a generous dose of good old ACTION. Get those rusty joints moving, jumping, playing and breathing in delicious Mother Nature air.

ACTIVITY Activity Tables: If you have the room for it, outdoor play areas are fantastic ways to jumpstart your kids' imaginations. They can create untold amounts of games, creative play situations and activities around one of the sturdy, weatherproof outdoor play areas on the market today. Sand tables are also great for hours of entertainment and even discovery. [Note: I love my sand table because it is amazing in the summer for making "sand castles in the sky", and it can be brought inside for winter fun as well.] Next, get out those mitts, Frisbees and balls because you are heading for a field trip. Not only is this a free activity for kids, but it will also give everyone the much-needed Vitamin D from the sun and some fresh air in their lungs.

While they're on vacation and want to enjoy some sleeping in and lazing around, freedom in excess spells disaster for kids. Children (and most adults, in fact) thrive on structure, so giving them some sort of routine will actually help improve their mood, behavior and overall summer experience. This structure doesn't have to be laden with chores and restrictions, just consistency. For example, every Monday is picnic for lunch day or every day at 2 o'clock is "choose your own book" time. The items on the list aren't important; keeping them regular is what matters. Such steadiness gives kids a feeling of reassurance, a dependability that life is ok and running smoothly.

ACTIVITY Make Your Own Schedule: Make a list of things that you'd like to see happening on a daily or weekly basis over the summer. Also have a list of fun activities that you and the kids can do regularly. Now incorporate these lists into a flexible schedule that both everyone can enjoy.

While there are many ways to stimulate and stir, one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to do this is through books and other fun reading activities. If you encourage (read: encourage, not badger) kids to enjoy reading, then even during the summer, they'll love to read and learn. Reading games abound, and you can use your imagination to create any number of games from a simple children's book.

ACTIVITY Library and Reading Games: Go to the library, and let each child choose a number of titles that he or she enjoys. Also buy them books of their own when kids show interest in a particular topic, author or series. What's more, your kids' bookshelves are loaded with great books that are probably hardly ever touched. Over summer break, take one down, sit with your children and enjoy a good book. Kids will devour this close, one on one time spent together, and you never have to leave your couch.

To really create and maintain momentum for this important hobby, make a reading corner for them. Place a rug or pile of throw pillows in one corner to designate the area. Install bookshelves at age-appropriate heights for your kids so they can access the books on their own, and you can even put a small stereo there to listen to recorded tapes and MP3's. You can set Reading Corner time as pat of your schedule, or you can make it a special treat when one child needs some personal time away from the rest of the crowd.

With all the money you've saved on these fun and free (well, most of them anyway) activities, you can buy something really exciting. Just think of it as a parent prize for still having the same number of kids at the end of the summer as you did in the beginning.