The Almost Green Mom

So, I’ve been trying to figure out things we’ll need for the summer ordering them before they run out – specifically focusing on fun things for the girls.  While some states are opening up slowly, I still believe we’ll be spending a lot of time at home this summer, still social distancing, with our kiddos.  At least I know we will be.

I’m somewhat cringing at the thought of not even having virtual school to provide structure to our days.  Also, with several of our summer camps being canceled, it’s added a little more pressure for me to figure out activities now and buy things we need before things are out of stock again.

So, here are a few of the things I’ve thought of for my kids:

• Inflatable pools.  I went a little crazy on this one and bought 2 with a few bells and whistles.  We inflated one of them a week or so ago, and it may just be the talk of the neighborhood right now…This first one – the Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center –  is better suited for toddlers (not babies) and has a little slide.  The second one – the Intex Surf ‘N Slide Inflatable Play Center –  is definitely for older kids (and parents!).  And there’s always the tried and true Slip’N Slide we all grew up with (which they’ve now made a million times better) – who remembers sprinting and sliding, and then either you bruised your butt from the bumpy lawn or got grass burn from flying off the side / end?  Classic memories.  For the smaller kids, there are always splash pads and various fun sprinklers.  And, you can always just use the tried and true basic sprinkler, which is much more economical!  And, btw, I just saw the prices listed – they have easily doubled since we bought ours a month or so ago, so act quickly either on these or another option.  Crazy.  

, , , ,, , ,

• Water balloons. You can go the super snazzy way with the popular Bunch O Balloons – these let you fill dozens of balloons at once and they self seal (life saver for your fingers), but at a price! I’ve also found them at Target, Walmart and other places – prices seem to be consistent at all places, so chances are you won’t find these on sale often.  There is also a knock-off brand I recently round – Tiny Balier Water Balloons – still not cheap but this pack has 440 balloons for about $30 (and rated the #1 new release in the category on Amazon.  Then there’s the tried and true bag of balloons with a hose adapter – Water Sports Water Balloon Refill Kit – much more economical, but your fingers will hate you after tying all of these!

,,

• Outdoor lawn games.  These bring back great memories of growing up and playing badminton, nerf football, croquet, corn hole and other lawn games in the summer while BBQ’ing.  Other, more “modern” games include the Stomp Rocket, Ring Toss, Garden Tool Set and a Bubble Mower.  If you have yard space to set some of these up, they are great activities the entire family can participate in.

, , ,, , , ,

Separately, we’ve also ordered a few trees to plant to mark the year 2020.  The girls and I will plant them soon and watch them grow over the years.  I’ve used a few online nurseries that deliver high quality product directly to people’s homes.  I’m not compensated for these nursery recommendations – I have personally used Jackson & Perkins for roses and perennials; I am awaiting a delivery of aspen trees and a maple from Cold Stream Farm.  Something fun to do with your kids, and something that will be almost like a time capsule to capture this moment in time.

While I know most, if not all of us, are under a lot of stress during these times, please remember your children will remember these times for the rest of their lives.  Trust me, I know it’s not easy.  I personally am trying to focus a lot on how my children are perceiving my actions and emotions – they are looking to me for guidance through these strange times.  I am also aware that I won’t have this much time with my children again, so I’m doing everything in my power to remain positive, supportive, gentle, understanding and flexible.  I encourage you to do the same.

The Almost Green Mom

I am compensated by Amazon for products you purchase through these links.  I appreciate your support. 

Was anyone else’s week a little like mine?  My youngest dumped pee from her little potty all over our carpet; my oldest told me she didn’t want to do online school anymore and instead it was my job to teach her everything; and, meds that I chose to have shipped from a local pharmacy ended up in Sioux Falls.  Yahoo!

But, during all of this adventure, I tried to get creative (not easy for a non-creative, right brain creature like me) and come up with some fun games to keep us all busy.  Also, we tried to do a “no technology Saturday” as recommended by her school.  We made it half a day, but during that half day we had so much fun – played with toys we hadn’t played with in a long time, did a ton of arts and crafts and got outside.

Here are some of the games we played that everyone seemed to enjoy:

• Indoor scavenger hunt – for my oldest I drew out a map of where she could find hidden items in the basement.  After that, both girls got little buckets and I told them things like “find something red,” and “find something small and soft,” etc.   It was very interesting to see what things each of them picked out, and it got them using their creative minds a bit
• Keepy Uppy – my oldest learned this at a summer camp last year.  Pretty simple – blow up a balloon and hit it around and don’t let it touch the floor.  Sounds basic, but it provides a ton of entertainment for longer than you think
• Page Printouts – there are a lot of free coloring pages, mazes, connect the dots, etc. online.  I printed out at least half a dozen for each child
• “Cooking” – if you don’t mind parting with a few pieces of produce, this seems to get younger kids really excited.  Each child gets a banana / apple / stalk of celery, etc. and an age appropriate tool to cut it up.  That in itself is fun for them.  Then, they can choose what to make with it.  My oldest decided to make a salad by cutting up lettuce leaves, cabbage, green onions and celery and putting it in a ziplock for me to eat later.  My youngest just cut up a banana with a spoon and ate it.

And believe it or not, both kids sat still yesterday for a half hour of story time.  I read a chapter book to both kids outside on our swingset.  They brought their water bottles and a snack.

Hope everyone is finding fun and creative things to do with your kids during these times.  I’d love to year what your ideas are!

The Almost Green Mom