Most every neighborhood library launches a summer reading
program to keep kids engrossed in books through non-school
months. Schedule a Saturday afternoon visit to the library
to sign-up. Kids can check out their own books using their
own library card, so they learn responsibility. Encourage
a reading habit that will last a lifetime. With prizes,
celebrations and rewards, kids simply can't resist the
challenge.
Join or increase your DVD-by-mail plan, so your children
can enjoy the cinema without the hefty cost of weekly
theater tickets. Take this opportunity to slip in some
cultural or educational titles, like the Diary of Anne
Frank, Broadway musicals like Annie or, for older children,
Shakespearian classics like Romeo and Juliet.
Teach children the value of money. Because boredom usually
accompanies the 'I want; I want' syndrome, help your child
set-up a financial goal and create a workable budget with
them. Explain that household chores, yard work or other
activities can earn some summertime cash. Then take them
to the bank each week so they can watch their savings
grow.
Scout out your local Parks and Recreation activities,
or splurge on a summer day camp. Arts centers offer dance
camps, while cooking schools offer week-long cooking camps
and some universities or YMCAs offer soccer, hockey and
other sports camps. These can be both enjoyable and educational,
typically running from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday,
and cost just about the same as a week's daycare.
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