The Dreaded Summer Reading Program I am a reader. Walking into any bookstore or the local library physically and instantly changes me; I am suddenly intoxicated, woozy, tingling with the sight …the feel…the smell of all those gorgeous books just waiting to be swallowed up. My idea of a perfect vacation day is curling up on my sofa or sitting on the beach with a good book in … [Read more...]
Summer Squash and Zucchini Tart
6 Tips to Balancing Family Connection and Fun Screen Time
Oh Delicious Summertime Remember last summer? You started out strong with fantasies straight from your ‘80’s memories of yummy giggling connection, nourishing sunshine, fresh fruit, and dusty barefoot tree climbing. But then there were closets to sort, kids to feed, and socks to wash . . . Everybody kind of drifted off, positioning themselves in front of their screens. When … [Read more...]
Vacationing with Teens and Tweens: Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC for Families with Teens and Tweens School is ending for most of us and Summer is beckoning us to come and relax with her and what better way to get your summer started than the BEACH!! We didn't go to the beach as a family very often when I was a kid, so the phenomenon of going to the beach for a full week was very new to me when I started a family of my … [Read more...]
10 Books For Your Tween’s (and Teen’s) Summer Reading
Summer Reading for Your Tween Yep. It's that time of year. If you are not already actively Pinteresting fun stuff to do with your kids this summer, you are gonna be one tired Momma by the end of that first week of vacation. We're completely serious: kids show no mercy to the weak and underprepared. So shore up the craft supplies, summer camp brochures, and snacks, then check … [Read more...]
Planning a Vacation with Teenagers
Teens and Vacation “Can I bring my Nintendo?” This was my then-14-year-old son’s first question when we announced that we were taking a trip to Malawi, East Africa. Traveling with teenagers is a completely different experience than traveling with children. Sometimes they seem like a whole different species. Yet you undoubtedly love your own teenager, warts and all—or … [Read more...]
Wine and Cheetos Podcast – Three Moms Dish on Summer with Teens
This was such a fun podcast to record!! Listen as Kristen, Kimberly and Jennifer grab a glass of wine and some Cheetos (okay, only Kristen had Cheetos) and chat about summer plans, teens and jobs, making them save their paychecks, the return of the college kids and more! … [Read more...]
Lazy Days of Summer – What’s THAT?!
Does anyone else think the phrase 'lazy days of summer" is an oxymoron??? That’s how the Facebook exchange began. Started by my friend Melanie. Here’s the ensuing conversation (the other names have changed to protect the innocent): Susan: that phrase was obviously coined by a man who did not have to haul kids to every practice/friend/whatever possible - and usually in … [Read more...]
How Does Your Summer Smell?
There's a certain smell to summertime. For me, it's a smell you only get early in the day, before others awake, a mix of humid air, sunshine, dirt, and a life that smells good. The smell reminds me of summers at my grandparents’ house far away. I loved being in their home that smelled of old, love, of things from long-ago days. As I sit on my porch-swing hearing semis, … [Read more...]
Finding Balance in Summer Schedules
Last week I wrote about summer schedules. In determining the needs of your family and setting a summer schedule, finding balance between structured and unstructured time is important. Kids need both kinds of activities. Here are things to consider in deciding what is best for your family. Reasons Why The Structure Of A Schedule Is Helpful: Structure and schedules are … [Read more...]
5 Tools to Help The Summer Curse of Unstructured Time
Every summer parents have mixed emotions about school ending. You’re excited to have the busyness of school over, but there’s angst in having unstructured time with kids at home. Routine is nice. Several summers I’ve planned routines with activities and chores for quality family time and my sanity. How else do you keep kids occupied and distracted from fighting? How else do … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Keep Brains Active in the Summer
Academics and Summer Vacation Every spring teachers and school professionals say good-bye to students for summer vacation. “How much will they lose over the summer?” teachers ask after helping students make gains in reading and math levels, behavioral issues, and other academic areas. For some kids, a summer break from school brings relief from academic stress and anxiety. But … [Read more...]
10 Summer Activities for Families
If your children are different genders or several years apart, it’s challenging to find summer activities or vacation destinations that interest each child. There were several summers our family consisted of babies and toddlers in addition to pre-teens and teenagers. Through our family experience, here are some activities we’ve learned span the age and gender gap among … [Read more...]
The Swimsuit Edition
The Swimsuit Edition Something very special changed for us this summer. We bought our first girl’s swim suit. In the early years, both kids wore full body sun block swim wear! The boy and I still do. But we’re boys! The little lady isn’t so little anymore, and by last fall, I knew this would be the summer we went swim suit shopping in the ladies’ department. Thank … [Read more...]
Double Take: Planning a Balanced Teen Summer
Dr. Wes: The last day of school is just weeks away. If you’re a senior (like Miranda!) your high school days are even fewer in number. So what’s on your teen agenda for summer 2012? If the answer is limited to video games, sleep and general mayhem, now is the time to plan a summer overhaul. I’ve come to believe that summers need a little more structure than I might have liked … [Read more...]
