Ah, summer. Am I right? It’s a season of sunshine, laughter, and new beginnings. It can also be a time of wondering how to keep your child busy rather than bored. If you’ve recently welcomed an adoptee into your family, this is a fantastic time to create unforgettable memories and help them settle into their new home whether they are a toddler or an older child. Here are five exciting and engaging activities that will encourage joy and bonding while supporting your child’s transition.
Let’s dive into the world of summer adventures and create a foundation of love, connection, and making new memories!
Making Memories by The Campfire
That’s right, mom and dad, backyard camping! Transform your backyard into a magical campsite for a night of outdoor fun and bonding. Set up a tent, roll out sleeping bags, and prepare some yummy campfire-inspired snacks. S’mores, anyone?
Engage your child in setting up the campsite, roasting marshmallows, and sharing stories under the starry sky. Camping (even in the backyard) provides a sense of adventure, allows them to experience the thrill of camping, and helps create a safe space where they can feel at ease in their new surroundings.
Don’t have a yard suitable for an outdoor escape? Consider using your family room. Don’t have a tent? Sheets and blankets make great forts, too. Not to mention the indoors are a little less buggy!
Wherever you make camp, it’s about having fun and enjoying the “dog days” just a little differently than the typical fast-paced, jam-packed school year. It’s the perfect time to spend quality time as you become a family.
Exploring Local Parks
Never underestimate the power of nature.
So, maybe camping isn’t your thing. You can still discover nature’s wonders together. Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather by exploring the local parks in your area. Whether it’s a nearby national park, a serene lakeside retreat, or a community playground, spending time in nature offers countless opportunities for fun and connection.
Encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or having a picnic deep in nature’s beauty. This promotes physical health, helps them to appreciate the wonders of the natural world, and develops a sense of belonging within their new community.
Creative Arts and Crafts
Unleashing imagination by engaging in arts and crafts activities is a fantastic way to spark creativity, self-expression, and togetherness! Arts and crafts can be fun and healing for a child who may be experiencing heavy emotions.
Set up a designated art corner in your home where your child can express their imagination through painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting. You can consider themed projects like creating a photo collage, designing personalized name tags, or making friendship bracelets.
Challenge your child to surprise you with whatever is on their mind. Let them tell their story in their own way. Encourage them to poke around the house and yard in search of supplies and materials.
Creating art together can be a source of joy, laughter, and shared accomplishment. It creates lasting memories and traditions that become part of the family’s narrative. Whether it’s making homemade decorations for special occasions, keeping a family art journal, or organizing regular art nights, these shared experiences help your child to explore their artistic side and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Water Adventures
Splish-splash and beat that summer heat by adding water to the mix! Let’s face it, summer and water go hand in hand, providing the perfect opportunity for some refreshing (and not too messy) water adventures.
Take your child to a local swimming pool, water park, or beach, where they can splash, swim, and enjoy the thrill of water slides. Keep in mind, that these environments and experiences might be brand new to your child, so make sure they are comfortable and prepared before you head out! Don’t push too fast.
Not ready for a big outing? Introduce them to water games like water balloon fights, sprinkler tag, or creating homemade slip ‘n’ slides! Is there anything better than running around the yard getting soaking wet and then winding down on a towel with a freeze pop?
Water activities beat the summer heat, help your child build confidence in the water, and create lasting memories of laughter and fun.
Community Events and Festivals
Exploring your local culture in the summer includes attending community events, festivals, and outdoor celebrations.
Consider taking your child to these gatherings where they can immerse themselves in the local culture and connect with their new community. Whether it’s a neighborhood block party, a farmers’ market, or a music festival, these events provide opportunities for your child to interact with others, explore different traditions, taste local delicacies, and embrace the spirit of togetherness.
Encourage them to participate in games, dances, or cultural activities to foster a sense of belonging and excitement about their new home.
At the same time, be aware that while these activities can be fun and amazing, they can also be overwhelming for a child who may not be used to them. Overstimulating your child is never a good idea, so take it slow!
As the sun shines brightly and the summer breeze fills the air, take advantage of this season of new beginnings to help your child transition into their new home. By engaging in backyard camping, exploring local parks, unleashing creativity through arts and crafts, enjoying water adventures, and immersing in community events, you create opportunities for joy, connection, and a sense of belonging. Remember, it’s the shared experiences and happy memories that lay the foundation for a loving and nurturing family bond. So go out, embrace the summer adventures, and create a summer filled with laughter, love, and beautiful transitions.
