Summer Reading

I recently wrote an "Encouraging Your Child to Read Over Summer Break" (page 40) that was published in several regional parenting magazines around the country on ways to keep your child reading over the summer. Check it out for tips on how to keep your kid interested in reading during summer. What are some ways that you keep your child reading over the summer?

Do-A-Dot Paints

When my kids were toddlers, I got a set of Do-A-Dot paints as a birthday present and quickly became a huge fan. Because the tube are big, they can easiliy be held by little hands. And the best part of them is that there is very little mess. The kids get the fun of painting without me spending thirty minutes cleaning up. I have found the regular set to be totally washable and the Neon set is "mostly" washable, but we had an issue where the bright green didn't come off a white shirt. The paints can also stain there hands, but will usually wear off by the next day.

A quarter for my time

When possible I try to use natural consequences with my kids. One of the problems that we've been having lately is that both of my kids "forget" to put up their dishes after eating, put their socks away or put their dirty clothes  in the hamper. I usually have to remind them several times and I end up frustrated.

Two weeks ago, I put a post it note on the fridge and told them that each time I had to remind them of one of these things that I would put a mark next to the week. At the end of the week, they would have to pay me a quarter from their allowance for each mark. I explained that because reminding them to do things that were there responsibility took time, they would be paying me for the time that I spent. The first week, one child lost two dollars and the other lost $1.50. By the third week, I didn't have to write any marks at all.

Put on Your Listening Ears

Use this game when you need your child to remember their manners, such as a restaurant, movie theatre, or museum. Before you enter the building, gather your kids up and say dramatically “I have something important to tell you. Can anyone tell me what type of ears we need to wear in the museum?” After your kids tell you the correct answer, say “You are right. Let’s put on our listening ears. I think that mine are in my shoe.” Dramatically pretend to pull your ears out of your shoe and put them on while your child does the same. Have your child find his listening ears and pretend to put them on. You can also do this with walking feet or inside voice. If you child forgets their manners, whisper to her, “You must have put your listening ears back in your belly button when I wasn’t looking. Let’s find them again and put them back on.”

Apples to Apples Junior

Since it has been so hot lately, I picked up Apples to Apples Junior last week to give us a new game to play. My kids have been on a board game kick and I am pretty sure that I have reached my limit on Uno.

Apples to Apples had been recommended by a friend and we have really enjoyed it. While the ages say nine and up, my eight year old can easily play it and my seven-year old just needs occassional help with reading a few words. The premise of the game that the one person is the Judge each round and puts down a green card. The other players pick a card from their own hand that is most like the card that is played (hence the name Apples to Apples). Many of the cards are silly and the answers that the kids have come up with have made us all laugh.

In addition to being fun, both of my kids have learned several new vocabulary words. I highly recommend Apples to Apples Junior and we plan on getting the regular version (for ages 12 and up) in a few years.

Kid's Magazines

Magazine subscriptions are a great way to encourage reading because your child receives a new issue each month and you can get magazines on topics that interest your child, such as sports or science. If you child enjoys comics, encourage him to read comic books and find series that he enjoys.


Over the years we have subscribed to several different magazines. When my kids were toddlers they enjoyed Wild Animal Baby and then graduated to My Big Backyard. I find it interesting that both of my kids love Highlights, which was my favorite magazine growing up. My daughter is obsessed with her American Girl magazine and I am planning on getting my son Sports Illustrated for Kids.

What magazines do your kids enjoy?

Beach Shell Picture Frame

If you are headed to the beach this summer, a fun way to preserve the memories are to make a picture frame. Buy an unfinished picture frame and have your child paint it their favorite color. Show her how to glue shells to the frame. I have found that Tacky Glue works the best. Elmers glue isn't strong enough to hold the shells.

After the frame dries, put your favorite picture in the frame.