Beating the Dog Days of Summer with Bubbles & Games

I was out having coffee with my pal Kathy recently when trading stories across the table turned to the topic of summer seemingly nearing its end.

The cloudy coolness of the last few days makes moms like us think maybe it’s time to start talking Halloween and Christmas instead of beaches and fun in the backyard.

We’re always trying to keep one step ahead of the date on the calendar – mostly so a date on which things absolutely must happen doesn’t creep up on us in the midst of toddler, babies and inherent chaos of family routine.

Both of us agree that we’re counting the days until the fall schedule of diaper gyms kicks back into gear. My daughter even piped up from the backseat this morning, “Want to go to diaper gym.”

Edging toward the end of summer is like planning for a big move. Once you’ve made that break from a place or a job – or in this case a season – you develop short-timers disease and lose focus on getting the kids out of the house and enjoying the rest of August.

I’m not sure the literal definition of “Dog Days of Summer” applies since the heat hasn’t really been an issue this year.

But, if everyone around your house is getting a little antsy, here are some ideas from moms, dads and other folks around cyberspace who understand it all:

- Get creative by focusing your fun around the great animal inspiring that saying with ideas from Mom Ready, a fun e-magazine with tons of tips and tricks.

- The folks over at Kaboose have a ton of ideas on how to turn your backyard into an outdoor adventure for next to nothing. Great tips. I really like the bug race idea.

- I just found the website Families With Purpose and I have to say that if you are looking for ideas, this is a great place check out.

- Make Bubbles!
1/2 C Liquid Dish Soap
1 ½ C Water
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1Tbsp Glycerin (bubbles seem to be better with this. But, you don’t need it)
Mix everything together. Drop some food colouring in for extra fun, and you can even use tools from your kitchen to make cool-shaped bubbles.

- For older kids, try making a collage or a scrap book of their summer adventures. This brings out the artist in everyone and gives you the chance to relive some of the fun memories you have from the last few months.

- Plan a playgroup. This can be a great way to get your kiddos out with their friends and you enjoying some time with other parents.

- Check out late-summer classes, sports or swim lessons at Comox Rec, Courtenay Recreation or the Comox Strathcona Regional District. There are a surprising amount of options for keeping the kiddos busy.

Have fun!

Tags: crafts, family, Kaboose, Kids, projects, Summer

Category: INSPIRED ACTION