Freedom in the Summer

Happy Fourth of July!! America's Independence Day is celebrated on the 4th with beautiful fireworks, yummy food, and loving family and friends! We, like many other countries, celebrate the freedom our country gained from England. May we NEVER take our liberties for granted.

And as Moms, don't we also need some daily freedom? Along with summertime comes the heat, the storms, and the kids home ALL DAY FROM SCHOOL! And that's just with school age kids. Let's not forget many of us who have preschool-toddler-infants at home all day everyday for the next few years! Our children are a blessing from the Most High God, but they also take up much time and energy leaving Mom tired and exhausted.

Our kids NEED to be with us! They need our love, our attention, our thoughts, and our voice. However, as Moms, we are not to be our kids source of entertainment 24/7. It is vital for you and your kids to have freedom from one another everyday for at least 30 minutes. That means 30 minutes...uninterrupted! As a family, claim INDEPENDENCE throughout the day. This will help your children learn how to be independent citizens and will also help them develop creativity. If you've never done this before, it may take awhile for your kids to learn, but they will after a week or so! Keep trying!

Here are some great tips on what you and your kids can do during that time:

KIDS

1. Playtime in their bedroom with selected toys for learning. Preferably toys that will stimulate creativity such as building blocks, legos, crafts, etc. These are toys that do not "play" by pushing a button and motivate the child to create play. (For infants-put in a crib or playpen/pack-n-play within your sight for safety).
2. 30 minute children's video. Preferably one that will stimulate learning. Note: this should not be done daily as it is not as effective for children to watch excessive amounts of tv.
3. Reading. There is nothing better than time devoted to reading! It increases your child's comprehension, vocabulary, brain development, and attention span to just name a few! Encourage your child to select one or several books they find interesting, lay on the bed with comfy pillows, turn on the ac, and enjoy!
   

MOMS

1. Perfect time to pursue a hobby! Sewing, crafts, blogging, or scrapbooking are great ways to relax, practice your own creativity, and accomplish something worthwhile!
2. Favorite movie or tv show! Fix some coffee, tea, or soda, a yummy, healthy snack, turn on something that relaxes you and enjoy!
3. Internet. Catch up on latest fashions, international news, friend's blogs, or see what's new on Facebook.
   
4. Read! Start a new book that you have been thinking about, but just haven't found time to do so. This is not only great for your children, but also for your mind as well!!!

A few things to remember: The kids are to play ALONE for 30 minutes and not interrupt anybody. DO NOT do housework!!! This is Mom time that YOU need!! The house can wait 30 minutes!!