How do we curb the summer blues with a house full of active boys? Boys are a fantastic bundle of energy which can become very overwhelming in the middle of a freezing cold winter or a very hot summer. In winter, they at least have school and homework to keep them focused, but what are we to do with them in the dead of summer?
Truthfully, I've never really struggled with what to do with my guys during summer break. Why? Because I always have a project that needs to be completed. If you are looking for some ideas on keeping your boys, or girls (they like projects too) busy, here are a few challenges to get you started:
- Host a catapult challenge. Set a deadline, give material parameters, partner up if needed, and get building! You can give them popsicle sticks, rubber bands, small strips of wood, or if you're a family of builders - complete access to a scrap pile of lumber and the saws. Once they've completed their challenge, create a series of tests (similar to Forged in Fire) to test each catapult.
- don't like catapults? Do an egg drop machine, simple machine, lego technic car, or other device.
- Offer paid positions. In our house, no one receives an allowance. However, we do have certain jobs or positions that we want completed badly enough that we are willing to pay for them. Have a shed that needs to be cleaned out? Firewood to stack? these are perfect jobs for paid positions.
- Summer Semester. When we lived in the south and had very hot summer months, we actually had a short 6 week semester of school. During this 6 weeks we would immersion study maybe 3 different subjects. This was a great way to get in some extra learning without being too busy. Topics that are perfect for a short semester are: elementary economics, personal finance, music theory, art, drama (put on a summer outdoor play), human anatomy, or a fun elective you don't have time for during the "official" school year.
I hope that you find a way to make learning and discovery a part of your summer exploration this year.