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SALT LAKE CITY — I've just had a baby. At age 46. And, he’s our seventh. So let me just say that summer fun this year is requiring a tad more creativity than usual — and ice cream, And possibly Tylenol.
However, I've found a few keys to make summer sizzle not just for kids, but for moms as well.
Involve your children
Too often we feel compelled to make this season a sort of "Camp Kids," with endless entertainment and chauffeuring to sporting events.
Forget being the martyr mom.
Research shows that the happiest families are those that balance work and fun, because working together promotes connection, likability, loyalty, problem-solving and more. Whether it's a weekly project or daily housecleaning, kids need some regular responsibility, and I’ve found it decreases boredom and moodiness as well.
My kids know if they're sassing, fussing, or any other "-ing" words that denote making life miserable, there's the dreaded Sock Tub with socks to be matched — or worse yet, cleaning the boys’ bathroom. Problem solved.
Time for mom
Carving out fun time is hardest for moms to do when all the children are home. But doing so helps your family see you as a person, not just a limo driver or popsicle dispenser.
Though you could shoot for 30 to 60 minutes daily, research shows that as little as 15 minutes doing an enjoyable hobby relieves stress, boosts self-esteem, creativity, passion, pleasure and accomplishments, and even decreases depression.
So, remove the guilt and embrace the joy. Read, sew, scrapbook; just do something you love.
Your older children can explore their own hobbies at the same time, or serve by babysitting. You could also pay them for the same as a summer job.
With younger children, have them do quiet reading, an educational movie (gasp, I know!), or naptime. Bottomline: mom should have summer fun too. Make it a priority and you will love the next three months.
Create Memory Makers
Rather than rush from thing to thing, create moments or regular activities that connect you as a family. They can be simple.
Our favorites include tennis at the park (all eight of us on the same court, four on each side. Yeah, it's like that), badminton in the yard, reading a kids' book on the front lawn, or s'mores in the canyon—simple but memorable.
Positive repeated activities are what's key.
My children reminisced the other day about reading Beatrix Potter stories every night. I simply smiled because we didn't read every night, but it was repeated enough times that they remembered the most important thing—mom is a stellar parent. Bingo.
Also, give these Memory Makers your own signature flair. One of ours was dinner at baseball games. Tired of greasy burgers, I'd bring a full meal in a picnic basket ̵ teriyaki kabobs, quiche, or barbecue chicken, for example. Oh yes, we put out a spread right there behind home plate. I am no Rachael Ray but the kids loved it and still talk about it (note: verbalizing “Mom is stellar” to other people. Double bingo).
This summer, don't be a martyr mom. Make it fun for you too by involving your children in daily dos, taking time for hobbies, and making memories.
Connie Sokol is an author, presenter, Studio 5 contributor and mother of seven. Contact her at connie@8basics.com.
