Single parenting can be wrought with challenges. Time and money are often scarce. Guilt starts to cloud our judgement, feeling like we need to do extravagant things with our kids to keep them entertained. You do not have to take a flight to Disneyland when there are plenty of options in your own back yard. There are many creative and local ways to have fun with your kids. Kids appreciate simplicity and time with you.
Here are a few ideas to help you connect with your kids this summer. Keep it simple, keep it short, and think outside the box!
- Learn to car camp! It’s easy, accessible, and fun! You may not have the time to get camping equipment organized. Let’s face it, tent camping can be painful. If you own an SUV its not hard to throw a few necessities in the back and have a reasonable, comfortable, and safe place to sleep in the wilderness. Several local sites nearby are first come first serve. Arriving on off days can guarantee you a site.
- Camp out in your backyard. You can create an ‘in the wilderness’ experience in your own backyard. Do all the same things as at a camp site: light up the grill, make dinner and make s’mores, all at home!
- Take a beach vacation in your hometown. You don’t need to travel to a coast to find some fun sandcastle making, and swimming. Your community reservoir has a sand beach that will be just as fun!
- Do a scavenger hunt at a local thrift shop! Come up with a few items for your kids to hunt and they will delight in the pursuit.
- Go fishing at a local park. Several of Colorado’s parks have great ponds and streams to fish out of. This is a great time for kids and can be relaxing for you. Don’t worry, you will get over the hook and worm thing…
Plan ahead for fall and winter
- Get a bicycle for yourself to ride with your kids. Colorado’s bike paths are extensive and fun. Ride bikes together to school in the morning and pick them up the same way. You’ll be relieved to get a workout in and you will avoid the dreaded school drop off and pick up lines.
- Go skiing or sledding at Loveland. It’s much closer than the other ski areas and it is very family friendly. Take your kids out of school for the day, ski and return home by that same afternoon.
- Go sledding after school. It’s easy and fun! You can improvise with a cardboard box if you don’t have sleds available.
When building memories with your kids, the most important thing to remember is spending time together is most important. Your kids won’t recognize the difference from going far away from home to doing some of the same things you may do on a vacation in your own zip code. You don’t have to break the bank nor put things off to that elusive someday. Someday can be today!
To schedule a therapy appointment with Lee Dudley or one of our therapists at LiveFree Counseling, please call 720.465.6180 or click here.
