Just Do It

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

27 Jun 2011 11:06 PM

Not for nothing, but I am not a big fan of parents who complain about having to deal with their kids now that school is out for the summer.

Granted, I have a fairly flexible work schedule and I don't have to contend with four kids fighting like rats in a sack. Still, even if I had to work 9-5 from home and had six kids, I wouldn't kvetch about going crazy because my kids are home all day interfering with my regular schedule because... it's not their fault.

If you really, really can't stand having your kids at home all summer, then sign them up for camp or other activities. Or, consider penciling in some time to have fun with them.

Personally, I love summer. When my kid is not in school I don't have to worry about ironing school uniforms, nagging about unfinished homework and figuring out which form needs to be returned by which date.

Summer rolls around at the same time each year, so why not embrace it as wholeheartedly as your child?

If you are looking for a way to have a little fun with your son or daughter this week, then consider making some Fourth of July firework shirts. My daughter and I made them last year before Independence Day and they turned out remarkably well. The patriotic project is cheap, easy and yields fun times for kids and parents alike:

FIREWORKS T-SHIRT

Materials:

Plain red, white or blue t-shirt

Newspaper

Glitter fabric paint

Pipe cleaners

Paper plates

Directions:

Place a few sheets of newspaper inside the shirt and spread out the shirt on a flat surface.

Pour a liberal amount of glitter fabric paint onto paper plates.

Bend the pipe cleaners into firework patterns by crimping the ends together.

Dip the pipe cleaners into the glitter paint and stamp the shirts with the fireworks patterns.

Allow the shirts to dry completely before wearing.

Related Articles:

Rainy Day Fun for Kids

Summer Fun for Kids in the Great Outdoors

Super Summer Sanity Savers for Parents

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger