I’ve had a baby a decade for three decades, so we are Grandparents to two and our son is 4 years older than his first niece.  This span has meant that for nearly 26 continuous years, and still counting, I have had the need for babysitters, car seats, “tubbys” and sippy cups.  Oh and diapers.   Yes, the fleeting thought of never having to see a diaper again went right out the window when alzheimers Grammy moved in.  “God is good, God is good, God is good…”  Oh, did I chant that outloud?! 

So as you may imagine, things are a little hectic around our home.  But as a Professional Organizer, I can only take so much chaos!  And unless you let your child sit in front of a computer, a game or the television all day, you know the frenzied stressed out times we get in the summer with “I’m bored” or the ever popular “I don’t have anything to do”.   And it just started.

I plan the summer out beforehand because when I wake up and have nothing planned for them to do, they never leave my side.  I’m being literal, I have bruises from running into them, and now with Grammy, well, I have multiple shadows.  

I just wanted to share a few things I’m doing this year with my eleven and nine year olds in case it helps.  We need each other,  let me know things I can do too... PLEASE!

First off, I give them a weekly focus.  We have a weekly project, something fun, they create all on their own.  I tell them nothing, no guidelines, just be fun and informative.   Early in week we go to the library and they select their books and end of week they show their project!  I give them an hour or so each day to prepare - depending on MY mood because that’s my time alone!  They present to me and Dad on Fridays and we “grade”  them on creativity, preparedness, neatness, presentation, etc.  They have fun, I buy a little “me” time (well, “me and Grammy” time) and it’s they LOVE IT!

But I really want to share with you my Scavenger Hunt for kids because this is another tool I use (I change it quite a bit) to keep the kids active, outside, learning and having fun!   There is a free copy on a link below. This should keep your kids busy, laughing and having good clean fun for quite a while, depending on where you live!  We do it in teams, usually ends up boys vs. girls.

let’s face it, energetic and happy kids are stressful.Remember,  80% of Americans seeing their Physician are there for a stress related illness, it's a fact.  And  Oh they are all stressful, ha ha.   I pray this helps and don’t hesitate to contact me!