Simple Summertime Ideas for Kids and Families

BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

When I was a child, Summer. Lasted. For. Ever. I remember long days that usually began with picking beans and then weeds in the hot sun, followed by endless hours of playing (and bickering) with my siblings in the hot sun. By the end of the summer, I was ready for school to start.

Now that I’m an adult, it seems like summer is over in the blink of an eye. I’m enjoying having both of my young adult kids living in my house for the summer – I know that one day I will truly have an empty nest, so I’m trying to remind myself to pause, enjoy the longer days, and be present for and with my family.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P –Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org.

Dear Nicole,

My family’s life is hectic during the school year, but summer break is also hard, in a different way. I’m a single parent and work full time, so my kids (5 and 9) have to be in camps or child care every day. I wish I could spend more time with them during their summer break, but I just got a new job and can’t request time off yet. Sometimes our schedules feel just as hectic and tiring as during the school year. What tips do you have for getting through the summer and having fun? ~Melanie

Dear Melanie,

Many parents have the same dilemma – kids get a welcome break from the school schedule, but parents still have to work every day! It sounds like you already know the importance of arranging safe, interesting, engaging places for your children to be while you’re at work, which is a great starting point. Here are a few other tips to try.

Focus on simple ways to connect every day

For many families, summer means a break from the hectic routine of school, homework, sports, or other after school activities.

This often creates more free time in the evening or on weekends, or can make it easier for some children to have later bedtimes. Use these opportunities to spend quality time together and add variety to your daily routines. The simplest ideas are often the best, like having a “picnic” on the floor or outdoors instead of eating at the table, or going on walks or playing games after dinner instead of watching TV.

Plan family outings, even if they are just for a few hours or in your hometown

Build a wish list with your kids and encourage them to be creative about where and how you can explore something new together. Again, simple and inexpensive activities are often the ones that create happy memories that last a lifetime. Visit a local museum, go to a park or beach you’ve never been to, attend free outdoor concerts or movies, try a new ice cream or frozen yogurt shop, or visit the library or local bookstore. The possibilities for creating happy memories while strengthening your relationships with your children are endless.

Encourage your children to develop new skills and interests

Talk to your children about what they’re interested in learning or trying, then find activities in the community or things you could do at home. Keep it simple enough that it’s fun for your children and realistic for you. Even teaching your children to make something besides cereal for breakfast can be a positive learning experience and provide them with lifelong skills.

Maintain a routine

Although summertime routines are often more flexible, maintaining some consistency will make life more predictable and easier, especially with work, camp, and child care schedules.

It can also help your children get enough sleep and good nutrition, teach your children about time, or give them something to look forward to – e.g., go to the library every Thursday or call a relative every Sunday. It will also help everyone ease back into the school routine once summer is over.

Final Thoughts

Many families look forward to summer during the entire school year, only to find that managing everyone’s schedules and spending time together can be more complicated than keeping up with school work!

The good news is that there are many ways to be positive parents during the summer that meet our children’s needs. Just remember it doesn’t have to be complicated or cost anything to be effective– keep it small and simple!

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 19 and 23, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org, facebook.com/ triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

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Word Scramble

Kids Activities : Children'...https://www.woojr.com/4th-of-july-activity-pages-for-kids/july-word-pu...

America Colonies Flag July

Barbeque Fireworks Freedom Liberty

Answers

For more puzzles, visit woojr.com

Sat 1

UCSC Arboretum Tour 11am-12:30pm

The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Tour plants from around the world. Tour length varies depending on what’s in bloom and what the participants request. arboretum.ucsc.edu.

Tues 4

Firecracker Race Runners on the 10K will be treated the the challenging “Thrill of the Hill” in Pogonip Park before topping out on the Spring Trail that winds through the beautiful meadow by UCSC before dropping down into the neighborhoods before returning to Harvey West Park. 5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained completely in the Harvey West Business Park Area. Everyone ends up in Harvey West Park for great music, post-race burritos and awards. runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/ SantaCruzFIrecracker10Kand5K

Parade and Block Party 10am-2pm

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boulder Creek. Enjoy a parade, a block party with vendors, barbecue and live music! bcba. net/events-1/july-4th-parade-and-blockparty

Old-Fashioned Celebration at Wilder Ranch 11am-4pm. All are welcome to join in an early 1900s-style Independence Day celebration. Join the parade through the ranch at high noon. Ongoing events include lawn games, and machine shop and blacksmith demos. There will be live music throughout the day, fresh baked goods and hand-cranked ice cream, living history demos, crafts, sing-along and more. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10 parks.ca.gov/Events/ the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover. The parade starts at 1pm. ADA Parking and Viewing is located at 5007 Scotts Valley Drive. There are no fireworks

Watsonville Parade 12-3pm.The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July parade proceeds down Main Street from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street. For a front row seat, bring chairs and set along the route early in the morning. cityofwatsonville.org/1124/ Spirit-of-Watsonville-4th-of-July-Parade

Party in the Park 11-4pm.Enjoy live music by The Lost Boys, support local vendors and enjoy yummy food at Aptos Village Park. There will be activities for the whole family. The world’s shortest parade begins at 10am at the intersection of State Park Drive and Soquel Drive and ends at the Trout Gulch and Soquel Drive Intersection. facebook.com/ AptosChamberOfCommerce

Fri 7

First Friday Santa Cruz 5-8pm On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. firstfridaysantacruz.com/event

Sat 8

West Cliff Outdoor Market 10am6pm Come enjoy our outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one of a kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The market will feature hand crafted gifts and admission is free. brotherspromotions.com/product/ west-cliff-outdoor-market-2023

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival 1-4pm Preston Boomer’s unique Chapel Royale in the Bonny Doon redwoods houses a large Baroque-style, tracker-action pipe organ, on which expert organists perform their art. Inquisitive minds can satisfy their curiosity about the organ’s workings with our ‘organ crawl’ into the depths of the beast while in full play. Delicious snacks and fine wines round out the festivities. scbaroque.org

Photography exhibit and talk

A wide array of photographs by Marc Shargel will be on view at the Scotts Valley Library, beginning July 1. On July 8 from 2-4pm, the photographer, who is also author of four books and a long-time marine conservationist, will present an illustrated talk in the library’s Fireside Room. santacruzpl.org

Sun 9

Downtown Antiques Faire 8am-5pm Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar. downtownsantacruz.com/see/ downtown-antique-faire

Sat 15

Bargetto Winery’s 34th Annual Art & Wine Festival 11am-5pm Enjoy a weekend filled with art, wine and live music! Shop over 30+ local artists and food vendors. bargetto.com

Hop & Barley Beer Festival 11am-5pm This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide Bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live music, fantastic food and more than 50 breweries hopnbarley.org

Sun 16

Downtown Makers Market 10am5pm Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers and artists in downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Ave. every third Sunday. scmmakersmarket.com

Wed 19

Mount Madonna Campus Tour 9:30-11am Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views in the redwood forest. This is a family friendly event. Now enrolling preschool through high school. mountmadonnaschool.org

Sun 23

Meet the Doulas 6-7:30pm Meet and talk with birth and postpartum doulas as you learn how they work with families at the Circle Family Center in Aptos. Sponsored by Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, this free event is open to those planning to birth in Santa Cruz, and surrounding counties. mtdJULY2023.

WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY FOR KEEPING US SLV STRONG!