Ah, Summer. That vast, wide open stretch of the year when parents often wonder, “What will we do with the kids for all this time?” This is a perfect to challenge your imagination and offer the Little Ones some quality time exploring, learning, and spending time with us. Since we don’t spend (barely) any time in front of the tv, this leaves our summertime WIIIIIIIIDE open. Alot of us Mamas also serve as Director of Family Activities, in addition to all of our other jobs (!!) and we can all use a little inspiration in that area some times…. Here are some ideas inspired by my own family plans this summer:
Take a family retreat. We recently returned from a weekend at COSM, the creative community of visionary artists Alex Grey and Allyson Grey. There we participated in a retreat of spontaneous art, music, and spirituality in the Upstate New York woods. The kids played outdoors, created fairy houses, mixed in with adults of all ages and created art alongside us. Who needs an iPad when you can create a sand mandala, see a fire dancer, or create your own puppet show? You don’t have to spend money or go far away to bring this imaginative approach to your family culture.