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Summer Stock

© Karen Jenista

Imagine six children attending five different schools, each with different start and end times. Imagine that each child participates in at least one extracurricular activity. And, just because the Navy says so, imagine that the children's father is often deployed for six months at a time. Keep that picture in your head. Let it sink right on in.

Now, is it hard to understand why I anticipate the lazy, hazy days of summer? No more frenzied mornings getting everyone out the door on time. No more running errands for a continuous stream of projects, reports, and requests for supplies. No more agonizing over which child's event or performance to attend.

Instead, ah...we relax into our summer routine. The kids can sleep late if they want. I can grab a few uninterrupted hours of work. We all have the space and time to find our much-needed down time. And we make it through the summer without siblings maiming each other or Mom having a nervous breakdown.

This family can't afford summer camps or regular vacations, but we manage to stay as busy as we want to be and have fun. How? Simple-plan ahead.

Don't wait until everyone's whining that they're bored. Don't wait until the morning you feel like doing something. You'll waste time searching for something to do, getting everyone to agree, and preparing to leave. Chances are that there will be disgruntled children, an aggravated parent, and testy remarks as everyone rushes to get ready.

Avoid the headaches. Start now.

GATHER RESOURCES

Travel Guides are a reliable, handy source for ideas in your local area and day trips. Sometimes you can't find earlier editions at bargain prices. Be sure to call and confirm any information in a listing.

The Local Newspaper often prints a schedule of summer events at the beginning of the season. If yours does, save it. Most papers also print a weekend or entertainment section that lists happenings in and around your area.

The Internet can help you search for attractions and events, both local and distant. Explore http://www.areaguides.net/, http://officialcitysites.org/usa.htm, http://www.Go.com/, and http://aol.digitalcity.com/ .

Recreation Centers, (such as the YMCA), Community Colleges and Higher Education Centers publish schedules of summer or shorter session classes and programs for adults, children, and families.

GET ORGANIZED

Compile a List of your family's choices. Let everyone contribute suggestions for what they'd like to do over the summer.

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