// 845.371.2222 Natural with Nature Children want to have fun, and adults want them to keep busy. But this combination does not have to mean spending on fancy jumping balloons or going on a trip to a park. What the kids really want is some naturally present, focused time together as a family, and that's something you can do with the right mindset and some creativity. The benefits, both physical and emotional, of simply spending time in the sun and breeze with family are bountiful. Really, spending a fun afternoon with the kids starts with an organized morning, which is easier to execute if you don't work out of the house. But, even for working mothers, planning an easy supper and not leaving household tasks (aside from the inevitable wet-clothesload and clearing the hallway of all the day camp accessories) for the afternoon is worth the enjoyment of doing what we're naturally created for: Mothering those sweaty and yummy kinderlach. Depending on the ages of your children, some activities may be more or less practical. Find the one that speaks to your stage, personality, and outdoor style, and get going! Nature Craft Instead of laying out the stickers, paper, and glitter for the children to craft with, here's a fun summer craft idea for those kids who are always ready to create projects. Give the children 'borders' and let them collect pretty things to craft with. They can gather leaves, small twigs, flowers, and stones that they like. Then, gather them around an outdoor table with paper, glue, and markers and watch the beauty unfold. There's nothing quite as satisfying as a creation they've truly made from start to finish. 125
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