Making the most of summer

I have a love/hate relationship with summer.  I love being able to stay up late and sleep in, and I enjoy a more relaxed schedule of activities.  That's about it; I hate the heat and humidity, the bugs, the storms, and yard work.  When my kids were younger, there was the added challenge of keeping them busy (i.e., entertained).  By mid-July, I felt like Julie, the cruise director on "The Love Boat," and my children were definitely not into shuffleboard!  

One summer, the light bulb went on, and I discovered I possessed cheap labor within my own house.  Why, I could put these little munchkins to work and really accomplish something over the summer!  This genius plan had to be carried out with great finesse, however, because the workers could not know they were actually doing chores.  That would never fly.  

I began by casting a vision of the future, planting dreams of complete freedom and independence.  Anyone with teenagers knows it's not hard to get them thinking about the day they will be on their own.  After hearing their grandiose ideas of life without parental interference, I reminded them of those pesky little realities of life.  You know, things like doing your cooking, cleaning and laundry, buying your own groceries and (gasp!) paying your own bills.  

"Wouldn't it be so much easier if you already knew how to do all those things?" I inquired.  Okay, so their response was less than enthusiastic, but at least they had some positive motivation to do a little work.  

For some specific ideas, check out the article below.  It was written for children ages 6-12, but most of the suggestions fit teens as well.  And remember, one day they WILL thank you!  

Educational Summer Activities