Make this summer fun and memorable for you and your children while getting a little bit of mommy time in the process. As a mom of three elementary age children, I know how important it is to keep your children busy. The following are a few  creative idea's that I've used in the past and plan to do again this summer season!

1. Theme days of the week -- For one week make every day a themed day. First, check the weather to find the best days for each theme. For instance, on a rainy or hot and humid day, plan that day as your "Movie Theme Day!"  Make popcorn and rent a few movies for the kids to enjoy. Other fun themes include: Superhero day, Animal day, Sports day, Nature Day, and Culture Day. Make food that compliments the theme. Have your children act out their character all day long!
2. Lemon ade stand -- For a couple of hours, have your children try to sell Lemon ade for 5 cents a cup. We've even sold cookies and brownies.
3. Writing day -- Have your kids make cards for family and friends. Then mail the cards. You can even have them make a little story that you can staple together and mail to their grandparents.
4. Board Game day -- Fill up your children's time with lots of board games such as checkers, connect four, monopoly, and bingo.
5. Plants and Nature - Make a little garden with your children and then have them take care of it for the summer. If you don't have the room for a garden, you can always plant seeds in a pot.

Enjoy your summer with your children! They love spending time with you, but also need the freedom and responsibility to create on their own.

:)  Melissa

www.melissaproductions.com