School's Out, So Whaddya Do Now?

This week marks the end of school for many area school systems. Are you overwhelmed with what you're going to do with the kids this summer? Out of ideas? Here are some:

1 - Join a local community pool (if your neighborhood doesn't have one). Take them to the pool for an hour or two in the morning before the sun gets really hot.

2 - Teach your child how to mow the yard and let him/her have some experience mowing it when the grass is not unbearably high.

3 - Help your child set up a 'lemonade and cookies' stand. Teach him/her how to budget for expenses and to find customers in a busy location.

4 - Teach your child how to cook. Start with something simple like chocolate chip cookies, bacon and eggs, cupcakes, and hot dogs. Let them plan a meal and cook dinner once a week.

5 - Show your child how to do his/her own laundry and let him/her experiment.

6 - Go on several short family vacations to nearby places. Suggestions include Fall Creek Falls, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and/or Holiday World (Santa Claus, Indiana).

7 - Make a weekly trip to the library to check out books and DVDs.

8 - Go to the mall and just walk together as a family. After your walk, take a few hours and shop and eat lunch or a snack.

9 - Teach your child how to wash the car and allow him/her to do that for you once a week.

10 - Have family fun nights once a week where you watch a DVD together while eating a "Silly Supper". (Note: Silly Suppers can be anything you want them to be, as long as they're not dinner fare that you would typically eat.)

Doing things with kids is great, but sometimes a little advanced planning needs to take place. Children (of all ages) want to spend some time with their parents, so don't feel like you're invading their space by asking them to participate. It's all about spending time together and the memories that are made will never leave them. Also, everyone will have great fun.

If you're looking for a real estate agent who cares about you and your family, then contact me by phone or by email. I'm here to help you with the purchase of a new home and/or the sale of your existing home. Professional and knowledgeable, I can provide real estate services for you that are second to none.