Kids | Heading Off Summer Boredom

join | what's new | site map

Your online source for free family fun, craft projects, parenting advice, and more...

Heading Off Summer Boredom
by Dr. Caron B. Goode

Summer is a refreshing and wonderful time. School is out and frantic schedules blur into unstructured free time. For a while, this lack of routine is very relaxing. Then the relaxation gives way to boredom, and parents start wondering what in the world they are going to do with their kids all summer!

Related Articles & Projects:

First time here? Don't forget to sign up for our free newsletter!

When my daughter was young, we spent the summer doing typical things. We went on vacation and joined the summer reading program at our local library. She invited friends over and attended several day camps. Even with what seemed to me to be a steady flow of activity, she would complain of being bored.

These complaints made me realize that my child was used to structured days. Not that I had any interest in putting her or myself on a strict summer schedule. But, having a couple of hours everyday set aside for a particular activity was appealing. From this idea, the After Lunch Hour was born.

The After Lunch Hour was a perfect way to break up long summer days. Every week, I would plan five activities, one for each day. These activities would require an hour to an hour and a half to complete, and we would start after lunch. It was the perfect time. This left the mornings open to sleep in or lounge around. It also left our afternoons free for the pool and day trips.

More You Might Like:
20 Fun, Indoor Activities for Bored Kids
20 Fun Ideas That Won't Break The Bank
Fun Outdoor Play
Teach Your Dog to Play Frisbee
Make a Spray Painted T-shirt
Granola on a Stick
Your Child's Nature Discoveries

About the Author:
Dr. Caron B. Goode is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents International, a training and certification program for parent coaches. In addition to duties with the academy, Goode is the founding editor of the website Inspired Parent, and the author of ten books, the most recent of which is Nurture Your Child's Gift. For more information on The Academy for Coaching Parents International or to sign up for academy announcements, visit www.acpi.biz .

Monthly newsletter:
Daily crafts, recipes, & tips:

Fourth of July!

July 4th is almost here. Celebrate Independence Day this year with crafts, recipes and plenty of other ideas. Here are a few examples to get you started...

More Holidays...

Fun Picture Riddles Help with Letter Recognition: Scholastic has done it again, releasing yet another fabulous book in its popular I Spy series. This time Jean Marzollo's witty riddles married with Walter Wick's vibrant photographs make for a fun and engaging read for children of all ages. Through the seemingly magical power of rhyme and repetition, children will obtain several early reading skills without even trying!

Follow FamilyCorner on Twitter!

Win Fun Stuff!

Check out all the fun goodies we are giving away here at FC...

Check out all of our contests here! Giveaways change every couple of weeks, so be sure to check back often. Several giveaways going on at once!

New Stuff

new on familycorner.com Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...

Fun Picture Riddles Help with Letter Recognition

Review of The 15 Minute Gourmet

Interview with Dorie Greenspan

How to Balance Work & Family

5 Ways to Improve Your Parenting

Swirled Candy Cookies

Scarecrow Sugar Cookies

Football Sandwich Cookies

Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookies

Beach Fun	Hiking Necklace
Fireworks Flowers	Granola Sticks

Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!


	OUR FRIENDS Craft Supplies Family Stickers Children's Halloween Costumes Letter Stencils Main Street Mom FamilyCorner The Blog Amanda's Cooking Blog Amanda's Craft Blog	MORE GOOD STUFF Newsletters Advertising Services Submissions Media Opportunities Link To Us Shop Feedback Staff	POPULAR AREAS Family FunBook Forums Kid's Crafts Coloring Pages Household Hints & Tips Photo Gallery Blogs e-Cards Reminder Service
Contact Us \| Copyright Notice \| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use/Disclaimer Copyright © 1997-2009 FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc. FamilyCorner.com® is a registered trademark of FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc