Framing Your Summer – Part 2
I want to recommend that you give your child a daily dose of the “N” vitamin. John Rosemond says the word “no” is a daily dose of the “N” vitamin. While that is applicable to rearing youngsters, I want to offer another idea for the “N” vitamin – nature. Are you planning outside play for your children this summer? I hope so! Granted, summers are hot, but mornings after breakfast are good times as are evenings after dinner. Also, 15 minutes of sunshine a day gives us our daily dose of vitamin D!
Trips to the library in the heat of the day are a good way to stay cool. Most libraries offer some type of reading or craft time. Check your library’s schedule. Allow your child to select books of interest.
Parks and pools are wonderful places in the summer, especially in the mornings or late afternoons when Dad comes home. A 30-minute trip to the park with Dad while Mom starts dinner is a great way to circumvent the 5 o’clock melt-down. Keep cut-up raw veggies in the refrigerator and offer those when they come home starved, and dinner isn’t quite ready. That way, they settle in, settle down, eat a healthy snack (pre-empting the cooked veggies for dinner – so what?!), and perhaps baths can be taken BEFORE dinner. (Wearing an oversized t-shirt is a good idea in case of spills at dinner.)
Rainy morning or afternoon shower? Get the rain boots and raincoat on and trek through puddles. And, if it storms and you can’t go outside, read Patricia Polacco’s book entitled “Thunder Cake.” It is a delightful story about a little girl who drove away her fear of thunderstorms by making a thunder cake with her grandma. The delicious chocolate cake recipe is in the back of the book. I made it with my own children when they were little.
Just as it takes teachers time to establish routines at the beginning of each school year, it will take a couple weeks for you to establish your summer routine. Be consistent with routines and expectant in your directives, and your work during those first couple weeks of summer will pay off handsomely. Keep at it. It will be worth it!
Mamas, get your phraseology on! “I like how you helped your brother by__________.” “You showed kindness by sharing without being asked.” “You were truthful with me when I asked if you did that (said that)________________.” “I am pleased with your honesty.” “I love you too much to let you speak to me like that.” “We can talk after you calm down so go to your room, and I’ll come in after you stop your tantrum.” “Life will go well for you when you obey me.” (Ephesians 6:3) Respond with a simple, “No.” Remember, most children need practice receiving a “no.” Hang in there, Mama, and parent with confidence and voice tone. We call it the “teacher voice.” Mean what you say and say what you mean. Your child can tell the difference. Be direct; no need to raise your voice.
To not become dependent on iPads and screens, you will need to plan and be intentional with each day’s routine. Please do not default to electronics. If you know of a high schooler in your neighborhood who is a good artist and who enjoys children, perhaps he or she could be a resource to do arts and crafts projects or give drawing lessons in your home under your supervision.
You will need to model wise use of your cell phone by not becoming distracted throughout the day. Tell your friends if you plan to limit your responses with texts. I cannot stress this enough! You are modeling for your littles when they might have a phone in 10-12 years and…they will remember, I guarantee it. As the saying goes, “More is caught than taught.”
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, this is a good one: The Christian Parenting and the episode: Strengthening the Foundation of our Families with Arlene Pellicane. She discusses marriage and a few other tips on technology. Click here to listen.
Above all, do not feel as though you need to entertain your child. Solo time for your child is good. Craft a chore list for each day and teach your little to be a contributor to family chores inside and outside the home.
If you go to our school website, www.redeemerdayschool.org and click on Parent Mentoring Resources, you will see three headings: Parenting Resources, Family Worship, and Summer Resources. These lists might serve you well. Check them out here.
