Although it seems like the holidays just ended, it’s going to be summertime before we know it. For parents, this means figuring out what to do with your kids while they’re out of school for the next few weeks or months. Depending on your family and your lifestyle, how you prefer to have your kids spend their summer break will vary but however they spend it you’ll want them to be safe so you need childrens health insurance. But to help ensure that your kids are going to be safe and happy over this period of time, here are three tips for preparing your home and family for your kids’ summer break.
Decide If You Can Leave Your Kids Home Alone
If you work outside of the home, summers can be a real challenge for your family. With younger kids, there’s no way that they should be staying home alone all day until you come home from work. But just when is the right time for you to allow your kids to stay home on their own rather than going to daycare or getting a babysitter. To figure this out for your family, Dr. Steven Dowshen, a contributor to KidsHealth.org, recommends that you think about both the age and the maturity level of your child or your combined children. If you feel that they are old enough, which is usually around age 10 or older, and you know there are people close by who could quickly step in in the event of an emergency, this might be the summer that you allow your kids to stay home by themselves for a few hours each day. Make sure that you clear up the house and keep any dangerous items away from their reach though. Also, if you encourage them to play outdoors even when you’re gone, then see that you have enough safety on the outside of your home. Consider getting safe play sets, like a Trampoline with Enclosure or quality swing sets safe for younger kids.
Get Ready For Playdates and Get-Togethers
Summers are a great time for you and your kids to get together with other families or friends and spend some real quality time together. However, if you’re wanting to participate in these types of activities, Everyday-Reading.com advises that you schedule these playdates or get-togethers as soon as possible into the summer break. All too often, people wait until most of the summer’s already been planned with vacations or outings and then don’t get to see the people they wanted to play with. So to ensure this doesn’t happen for you or your kids, get some dates ready on your calendar right as summer starts rolling around.
Make Plans To Get Outside
Arguably the best time of year to spend outdoors is in the summer. With plenty of sunshine and longer days, you and your kids should try to take full advantage of outdoor play during summer break. According to Beth Arky, a contributor to Child Mind Institute, playing outside is great for the physical and mental health of your children. If you’re going to allow them to play outside around your home, make sure they have a safe place that’s fenced in or sectioned off or that they can be supervised by a trusted adult.
To help your family have the best summer this year, consider using the tips mentioned above to prepare for the upcoming summer break.
