Summer Series
Vol I - Week of July 7th
Our kids' personalities, temperaments, preferences, and ever-changing moods can really dictate our time together, right? Especially kids who are highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or super spirited.
So while this series can certainly be helpful for any family, it's especially geared towards those like my own - uniquely needy ;)
For each age group, every week, you'll find something to do out and about; something to do at home; and a parenting tip! Just to help your summer feel EXTRA magical 💫
AGES 0-5
OUTING: Gun Rock Beach in Hull, MA - this beach is AWESOME for younger kids. There are tons of tidepools with (harmless and cute) sea creatures and tons of shells, rocks, and sand for hours of free play. The beach is small so (for anyone with runners) there’s nowhere they can really go without you being super close behind (unlike Nantasket). And the water is shallow with little/no waves. Overall - a super fun, very safe experiences for young kids. The only downside (granted, it is a pretty big one….) parking… there’s no parking at the actual beach so you have to find street parking nearby (or a friend’s driveway to park in and walk).
FUN @ HOME: Play a game like Hoot Owl Hoot (or other cooperative game). Winning and losing can feel really hard for this age group to comprehend. So say goodbye to Sorry and say hello to games where everyone wins. (The point of games is supposed to be FUN, right?!) Let’s build teamwork and cooperation at a young age rather than cut-throat competition and hierarchy :) Hoot Owl Hoot is a family favorite, but Peaceable Kingdom (or amazon) have PLENTY of other cooperative games.
PARENTING TIP: Don't force sharing (especially at this age!) Please (please, please, please) do not say sharing means caring. It sounds cute, and most of us grew up hearing it, but it’s BS. Kids are actually not developmentally ready or able to truly ‘share’ until after they have learned how to meet their own needs first. Forced sharing might feel like the socially appropriate thing to do, but it’s not right for the kids.
Things to try instead: Validate their experience (“You want that and someone is playing with it right now. It can feel hard to wait. I see you want that toy.”) Ask scaffolding questions to support conflict resolution (“I wonder if there’s a way you can both play with the toy; when they are done with their turn, it can be your turn. Would you rather watch while you wait or find something else to play with?).
AGES 5-11
OUTING: Go to the park! There are sooooooo many awesome playgrounds and parks around here. (And did you know a lot of schools don’t let the kids play on their school playground?! And even if they do, it’s only like 18 minutes if they’re lucky…) Kids need to PLAY - and please - PLAY WITH THEM! Or at least watch them and giggle and smile at the joy they get from going down the same slide over and over and over. Yes, it can be hot (bring ice water or popsicles); yes, it can be crowded (go during off hours or keep driving till you find one that’s not); but kids need to PLAY. Our favorite at the moment is either Tufts Library in Weymouth or Castle Island in Southie. (Both have bathroom options…) We LOVE Caddy Park in Quincy - it’s mostly in the shade, has a great breeze, and has the little beach there, too. But there are NO bathrooms!
FUN @ HOME: Play a game like UNO or another card game. Cards are easy to transport and make up millions of games with (and at this age, they usually can make up their own fun without it having to be a specific game). UNO teaches so many skills in and of itself, but even if you’re not playing by ‘the rules’ (which we hardly ever do) there’s so much learning and fun happening! (*TIP for the younger players, start without the reverse cards - direction switching can be a tricky concept… you could even start without all the ‘special’ cards and play with just colored numbers)
PARENTING TIP: They don't need to be busy all the time - make time for down time. This age group is usually over scheduled and exhausted. Throughout the school year, they’re up too early, rushed out the door, surviving school, after school activities, dinner, shower, bed. And then summer break comes … but it’s not a break… it’s camp and vacations. More up too early, rushed out the door, here there and everywhere doing a million different things at camp, playing outside when they get home, dinner, shower, bed. Or something of that nature. It’s awesome to have lots of experiences. It’s also awesome to chill; to be bored; to be content without being overstimulated and entertained. Lean into the down time - lean into your coziest couch - lean into each other. Time flies - the days are long but the years are short. Don’t look back and realize you missed it signing up for stuff you didn’t really need.
AGES 11+
OUTING: An arcade or game center - Dave & Buster’s, Starland, Ryan Family Amusements (sadly, Paragon Arcade is closed…. that used to be one of our faves). Arcades are so much fun and there’s usually something for everyone, so this could be great for siblings and/or friends to do together. *They can be very loud, so noise canceling headphones or ear plugs might be helpful.
FUN @ HOME: Play a game like Clue or another classic board game. Something about the fact that you played it when you were a kid makes it somewhat intriguing for your tween/teen. (And Clue the movie and the musical has made a revival so it’s kind of considered cool)
PARENTING TIP: Their social life is building - they'll still have plenty of time for family (on their terms) but don't take it personally if/when they prefer their peers to family dinner.
Do you have any suggestions?! We'd love to hear them!!
(ESPECIALLY if your kids are also highly sensitive / neurospicy / not the super adaptable type kid that can go anywhere and do anything)
Email me (heather@elementsacademy.org) with your favorite places to go and things to do!!