Summer Update

I survived my first whole two weeks of summer. It was busy and hard at times--especially establishing new routines.  We have got our routine down though, and I am quite proud to say that Nathan has been walking with us every morning on a path by our home (without an iPod or any other carrot to dangle in front of him). Some days it is slow walking and other days I have to jog to keep up with him, but we are all getting exercise (and that is good).

We don't always get out as early as possible because I am waiting for my other kids to pull themselves together, but at least we have our routine. After that we come home and listen to a church talk (it is good for the kids to get a little spiritual boost in the morning). Nathan happily follows along with his printed copy of the talk.

Then we get ready, do chores, go to swimming, do word puzzles, eat lunch, have some electronics, but we also take our electronics break. This has been a big step for Nathan--to take good breaks from his electronics. I have him do a 300 piece puzzle to help him pass the time, and he also helps me set the table before I will let him get back on.

All in all I am pretty exhausted at the end of every day, and we have had little bumps and tantrums along the way, but we are making it! Hang in there moms! We can have fun and survive the summer!

Summer Posts/Walking

My summer posts are going to be more sporadic because I'm in full-time mommy mode. Good news: I got Nathan to take a walk with me down a trail that runs close to our home. I had to print & show him a map of our home and the trail (so he knows exactly where we are going and when we will go home). But, he walked with me without throwing a tantrum or requesting an Ipod!!! This is HUGE for him. I've just got to keep the schedule going. Wish me luck!

Things to do in the Summer Time

"Mom, I'm bored!" Are you ready to hear this all summer:)? This little container is my "boredom buster." In it I have listed on little slips of paper ideas of fun things my kids can do around the house. When bored, I invite them to draw 4 pieces of paper and pick two things to do. (That way I am not left trying to think of things spur of the moment). Look in your closets at games and crafts to get you list going. I have purchased most of my toys and games at garage sales or second hand stores. Here are some of the things that are listed on in our "I'm not so bored container."

Find a trick you can do with magnets
Blow up balloons and have a balloon party
Build a train track
Paper Airplane contest--see whose can go the farthest off the balcony
Build something with the Tinker toys
Make a chalk drawing outside
Make a chalk drawing racetrack for the little race cars
Design something with the stuff in our recycled trash bin
Make cookies or Rice Krispie Treats
Build a castle out of the wooden blocks
Make an obstacle coarse in the living room--be sure to use the mini trampoline
Make a necklace out of circular cereal and eat it!
Have a Twister competition
Create a story using cartoon people you draw in a notebook
Play the board game of Life or Sorry
Play an indoor game of putt-putt golf
Magnetic dart game
Build with the Lincoln Logs
BINGO competition
Play Candyland or Chutes and Ladders
Mr & Mrs Potato Head need to dress up for a party
See who can build the coolest Lego boat or pod-racer
Build and knock down a long line of Dominoes
Bust out the Big Army Guys & the Barbies
Color a page in a coloring book or draw a picture
Make a treasure map and do the treasure hunt
Race the cars down the racetrack
Do a talent show--everyone participates
Turn on the sprinklers and have fun getting wet
Bubble blowing contest
Design a city with the Magnetic building pieces
Build a cool Marbleworks racetrack
Have the Little People build the best city EVER!
Round of bowling with wooden bowling pins
Learn to tie 10 types of knots
Write a story
Using tracing paper, copy a cool picture out of a magazine
Find a cool rock and paint it
Do something nice for someone else
Go to the craft closet and find a fun project to do
Time for a dance party! Crank up the music!
Make a volcano explode with baking soda and vinegar
Make playdough
Make goop!
Finger painting time!
The Floor is LAVA--how will you ever survive?
Learn to play a game with Marbles
Using sidewalk chalk, go play hopscotch
Time to have a jump rope competition
Make a sock puppet
Play a game of Jacks
Fly a kite
Make a sand castle
Document cool things in your backyard with a camera
Write play where you and your friends sing and perform
Write a poem
Learn to sew or knit
Build an indoor fort
Build an indoor boat (push two couches together)
Make a fort out of cardboard boxes
A-Z scavenger hunt (inside or outside or both)
Have a picnic in your living room
Make a campfire and cook hot dogs and s'mores
Water balloon fight
Pirate day
Make a creation with wooden popsicle sticks
Slip and slide time!
Make a carnival in the backyard
Make a circus in the backyard
Make your own popsicles

Have a fun summer!!!!

Real vs. Virtual Summer Goals

I think one of the hardest things to do as a parent is help control the amount of "electronics" kids get during the summer. I have chatted with my kids several times about living in the "real" world vs. the virtual world. Kiddos on the autism spectrum are drawn to electronics, so I have to be particularly careful.

In the past our rule in the summer was no electronics until after lunch (or around 1:00) and then they had to take a break after 2 hours, but this summer I have already told them that we are cutting back even more. They will get an hour and 1/2 of electronics with the possibility to earn more electronics by doing extra chores, practicing the piano, etc.

If you have a kiddo who is glued to their screen, they also have really cool apps now that allow parents to control if their Ipod can only be used as a phone or not at all. Check out the "Our Pact" app or others like it.

Other rules we have had in place for a LONG time is that mom and dad always have your passwords; all devices are charged in mom and dad's bedroom at night; if you are on anything with internet access you have to be in the kitchen or living room (most of my kids only have YouTube for Kids as the only thing they can use to search stuff online). Also, devices are off after dinner (although my teenager still can check his texts). And no, my 10 and 12 year old do not have phones nor do they need them right now.

Tell me what great ideas you have or apps/controls you use to help your kids learn moderation in the virtual world?

I think the best example we can set as parents is to limit our screen-time as well. Kids learn by example, after all--so set your limits too (and don't be afraid to use a timer) :).

Tomorrow--the list of "non-electronics" stuff we made to do this summer.