Wednesday was the last day of school.
We are in the transition phase - re-setting expectations, evaluating what's working and what's not. Because even though the kids are on their summer break, the parents have to work. We have some activities planned for them this summer - but not every single day of every single week.
If I got a chocolate every time H told me she wanted me to be a "house-mom" (ie, not to have a job) or a teacher (ie, have summers free), I would have a nice stash to last me for months!
Actually, E and C do splendidly while I work. They read, listen to audio books, peruse youtube (E); they have art project and construction projects; they like going to the garden and picking whatever is ready. They are both self-sufficient. Also, they get along really well, so sometimes they'll do a lego project together, or will talk, or will play soccer outside.
It's H who tends to interrupt the most... she can't handle being on her own... She does like to read, but only at night in bed. She used to like to cook, but she hasn't been in the mood for it recently (although she said she wanted to make kugel today for lunch - that would be awesome). She craves constant attention.
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We celebrated end of school year by going out for ice cream with friends on Wednesday evening. I got a small scoop of chocolate ice cream - it was delicious! Much better than I remembered! H and her best friend went for a walk in town - first time on their own - while the rest of us hung out by the court house. They got lost coming back but figured it out by asking for directions.
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Summer expectations for kids when they are home all day:
- Get out of bed and get dressed. Hopefully make the bed!
- Wash breakfast + lunch dishes
- Help out with or make lunch (sometimes)
- Practice piano or violin (depending on the kid)
- Do a bit of school work (like maybe 30 min spent on math or language arts-type work?)
- Clean up cat litter box (they take turns)
- One chore (like folding/putting away laundry, mopping the mud room, vacuuming family room, or cleaning their room)
- Play outside
- Limit screen time
Fun things for kids to do this summer when they are home all day:
- Maybe watch a movie or play minecraft
- Read!
- Catch frogs, turtles, and toads! And sometimes snakes!
- Going to the pool
- Going to the park
- Playing with neighbors
- Legos, puzzles, art, crafts...
- Board games