If you have little kids, you know that it is exhilarating but exhausting. They love to play outside, games, dress up, paint. You come up with something fun to do and they are all in. But what about our teens? It’s not as easy to get them engaged on something other than a screen. (For any teens reading this, yes this is a stereotype and I apologize. If you are not one of these teens, give yourself a high five!)

To get our teens up and going, we have to channel our own inner child sometimes. Take a walk to the park with your teen and swing on the swings and go down the slide. Your teen might scoff at this idea, but they’ll secretly love it. Your tweens will more openly embrace it. You can also invest in some squirt guns. They’ll love beating you in this match. Take it up a notch and go do paint guns. Or go karts. Or a batting cage. The ideas are endless.

If you don’t want to be quite that active, try out local art or photography classes. They’ll get you in the right side of your brain which is relaxing. Or look up home facial recipes and do that together. Check out pinterest and get inspired with their lovely craft ideas.

The bottom line is to get out of the “accomplishment” mode and into the “enjoyment” mode. Giving in to the parent peer pressure around us can lead to a summer filled with academic enrichment and skill improvement. Those things are fine, but don’t forget what summer is truly about…

LETTING LOOSE AND HAVING SOME FUN!

You may still have to work, but take the time to channel your inner child. And you know what the side-effects will be? Creating lasting memories and connecting with your children.

So I dare you. Let your inner child out to play.

With Heart,

Coach Sheri