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Beating the August Heat

Family Fun in the Hottest Month of the Year

© Mary McCarthy

dog days, Microsoft Clip Art
How to survive the dog days of summer

All the novelty of summer has worn off, and parents and kids alike are wilting like the overtired flowers in the quickly overgrowing garden. June and July were great- pool visits, camps and vacations filled up the time, making it feel like the summer was going to fly by. But now, August weeks loom ahead and it's not quite time to ship the kids off on the bus, so what are some ways families can make the best of the hot summer doldrum month of August?

Fun Inside

When days are too hot to go outside or thunderstorms keep you housebound, there are a few things you can do with the kids to keep them unglued from the tv. Family game night (or afternoon!) is lots of fun for everyone, especially when kids get to take turns picking the games. Make movie-watching fun by adding cute popcorn containers, movie-size candy boxes, and lights out!

Backyard Camping

It's a total hassle to pack up the car and head to a distant campground- what could be more convenient than enjoy the great outdoors right at your own home? Set up a tent in the backyard, gather marshmallow roasting sticks and supplies for S'more making, and don't forget the flashlights and creepy ghost stories!

Naptime!

When school starts and the activity schedule is crammed, you'll miss the time you were looking for things to do. Why not implement 'naptime' for all family members for an hour or two in the hottest part of the afternoon? Kids can spend time reading summer books if they aren't tired, but nothing's better than sleeping in an air conditioned room on a hot summer day.

Old fashioned fun

Summer memories aren't just made at the beach. Kids remember seeing a summer movie at the theatre, going bowling with the family, or riding bikes to get candy at the corner store. Host a make-your-own ice cream sundae party with lots of toppings and a can of whipped cream and the kids will remember it forever.

Kids are easy to please, but they do tend to get bored easily. On days and weeks in August when there are no beach trips or camps, pick small, easy activities. Crafts and coloring books keep kids busy and happy. And when all else fails, head to the beach or an amusement park or the zoo one day and don't forget your camera!

Keep cool in the summer heat and remember... school starts soon!

___________________

Click here for tips to stay cool without air conditioning!


The copyright of the article Beating the August Heat in Home Management is owned by Mary McCarthy. Permission to republish Beating the August Heat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


dog days, Microsoft Clip Art
       



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