NANA SAYS LONG DAYS BRING AWAKE CHILDREN

Now that the days are longer, bed time becomes more difficult as children often do not want to go to sleep at their normal times. With school ending and camps beginning there may not be an argument for children and teens, must get your sleep! If the day starts later like on family vacations, then it may be harder for parents to have some real quiet time without their children being awake. Change things up. Let children have a longer reading time in their beds. Put away the gadgets as they can interfere with sleep patterns. Put away your own gadgets. No one needs to be on their cell phones or tablets until one falls asleep. An after dinner walk, bike ride or game such as shooting baskets can help with tiring everyone out before bed. Reduce the evening snacks to healthy treats! Since the days are longer, enjoy them. With sufficient bug spray sit outside, enjoy the evenings. If your community has music in the park events, go to them and take in the lazy days of summer. Local parks with splash pads are an easy way to take in the summer fun.

Some parks may have nature paths so learning about your local animals and flora. Make sure to be tick aware. Tuck in those pants in your socks and do the body check each night at bath time. Parents change the household tasks to summer tasks, less indoor work and spend more time outdoors. Use the porch, patio or back deck as an extra room to cut down on messes made in the house. Fresh air tires everyone so if possible find some water to have a walk along the beach or spend time in a boat. The summer months are too short so embrace them and enjoy. Try to give your children the wonder of summer that you enjoyed as a child!