Streamline Summer Fun with Kids
Snacking:If your house is anything like ours your snack pantry is emptied about as fast as it is filled. My kids love snacks. Who doesn't. But we all have to learn self control right. Well last year at the end of the summer I ran across this blog. http://kristendukephotography.com/?p=4212. Loved it and filed it away to use this summer as soon as the kids were out of school (it's much easier to implement new items at a new season in our family). I adapted our version slightly and are kids are all participating (ages 2, 4, 7 and 8). Love!
This chart hangs on the pantry and is easy for every age to understand:
Picture of cash bags:
Example of $1 drawer in pantry:
Chores: During the school year the kids have random chores but their primary responsibility is homework and studying and they have plenty of that. The summer months we transition to full-on help around the house. Each child has a chore chart that they use to mark completed chores. That is their pay chart so if it isn't marked, they don't get paid. Years ago I bought a Choreganizer which is wonderful (google search it). While we don't use their chart anymore, I do still use their cards and have even created cards for our family. Each child has a chore envelope that daily chore cards are filed in (I choose). When the chore is completed, they mark their chart and file the card back into the "extra chore" envelope (which is where I pull chores from every day). Anytime they want to earn extra money they pull from the extra envelope. They know they get paid double for doing a chore without being asked. (this works great for our 4, 7 and 8 year old. 2 year old needs more assistance).
Routine: Our daily summer routine keeps us balanced. While we are not hard core we do stay on track with this as much as possible. #5 above warrants a visit to the Penalty Box (pictured below by the Rainy Day Jar). I sat down with each child and had them list what they thought should be included. They listed all of their most favorite things or activities (no bike for a day, no game system for day, etc.) If they complain about the "draw" they automatically double the fine.
Rainy Day Jar This is actually a painted flower pot and it isn't just for rainy days but we don't like the word bored and so this gets the point across. You can find some of our activities here.
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