Sure, you will spend a lot of July looking for their sunhats but sharing summer with children involves a lot of joy (and ice-cream). Here’s what we love…
The Great Outdoors
Getting outside can be the easiest way to entertain little ones. This means more fresh air and fun things too. Playground, anyone? Trip to the zoo? Summer with kids means a summer of being a big kid yourself, and that is absolutely brilliant.
Expanding your festival horizons
There are so many family-friendly festivals now and they are seriously good. Do some research online and ask friends and family for their recommendations.
Swimming, swimming, more swimming
If you didn’t have kids, you’d probably look at that slightly chilly sea or swimming pool and think ‘maybe tomorrow’. With kids – not a chance. But once you’re in that lovely cool water, you’ll be so glad they made you do it.
Paddling pools, also known as foot spas, in the garden
Summer with children means blowing up the paddling pool. Once it’s up, and they’ve been distracted by a ball or a ladybird elsewhere, you can sit down with lovely cool water for your feet.
Nudity, which means not having to wrestle them into clothes in the morning
Normally, getting your little one into a vest, jumper, trousers, socks and shoes takes more than half an hour. Yet once you’re spending the day in the garden shade with sand and water, they will be absolutely fine in a nappy or swimsuit. Just be careful with the sun and remember the sun cream.
Help with chores
Children love an outdoor task. You could do things like giving them a small watering can and asking them to water the plants in the back garden. We can’t promise they will help more than hinder but at least it’ll keep them occupied for a while…
This page was last reviewed in September 2018
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
