Summertime Solutions for Families

It was a scorching hot day in Austin, and I was out with my kids trying to keep them entertained and cool at the same time. We had gone to the pool, but the crowds and heat were almost unbearable. We tried to hit up a few parks, but each one was packed with people. I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed, not to mention, exhausted from trying to keep up with my kids. It was then that I realized something - summer can be tough on families.

As a parenting contributor, I have talked to many families who have similar struggles in the summertime. Whether it's trying to come up with activities that everyone will enjoy or dealing with the heat and crowds, there are many challenges that families face during this time of the year.

Here are some quantifiable examples of the challenges that families face during summer:

• According to a survey by OnePoll, the average family spends $1,500 on summer activities.
• A study by the American Heart Association found that only 27% of kids get the recommended amount of physical activity during the summer.
• The National Retail Federation reported that families spend an average of $239 on back-to-school shopping.

These statistics show that summer can be an expensive time for families, and it can also be challenging to keep kids active and engaged.

Now, let's talk about some solutions for families to make the most of their summer. Here are some tips and tricks that can help:

1. Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to make the most of your summer is to plan ahead. Research activities in your area, and find out what's going on before the season gets into full swing. This will not only give you a chance to save money by booking things in advance, but it will also help you avoid crowds.

For example, if there's a popular amusement park in your area, consider going during the week instead of on a weekend. This will give you a chance to avoid the crowds and save money on tickets.

2. Prioritize Physical Activity

Summer is a great time to prioritize physical activity for your family. With long days and warm weather, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get moving. Plus, physical activity has a multitude of benefits for kids, including improved health, increased self-esteem, and better academic performance.

To prioritize physical activity, consider setting a daily or weekly goal for your family. This could be something as simple as going for a walk after dinner or trying a new outdoor activity each week.

3. Embrace Simple, Low Cost Activities

Finally, one of the best ways to make the most of your summer is to embrace simple, low-cost activities. This could include things like picnics in the park, camping in your backyard, or having a family movie night.

Remember, the goal of summer is to have fun and spend time together as a family. By embracing simple, low-cost activities, you can save money and still make lasting memories with your loved ones.

In conclusion, summer can be challenging for families, but there are ways to make the most of this season. By planning ahead, prioritizing physical activity, and embracing simple, low-cost activities, families can enjoy all that summer has to offer without breaking the bank or feeling overwhelmed.

Hashtags and References

Hashtags: #summertimesolutions #familyfun #lowcostactivities #parentingtips

References:

• OnePoll. (2019). The Average American Family Spends $1,500 On Summer Activities. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/summer-activities-cost_n_5d1f01f3e4b07f6ca57ccb4b
• American Heart Association. (2018). Summertime is the best time to get kids moving. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/06/05/summertime-is-the-best-time-to-get-kids-moving
• National Retail Federation. (2019). Back-to-School Spending Expected to Reach $26.2 Billion. Retrieved from https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/back-school-spending-expected-reach-262-billion