Confessions of a Supermom: Fun Things We Do to Blow Off a School Day

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

21 Sep 2006 03:43 AM

Gasp! We do on occasion--ditch the school day. After all, it does not take 6 hours a day, 180 days to accomplish even half of what is accomplished in public school. We don't waste any time getting in line, waiting for everyone to have paper and pencil, etc. So you have to figure all those minutes that would otherwise be wasted were my children to be in school. . .can accumulate into a free day for my kids. Or at least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

1. Go to the mall or a giant toy store. I admit we happen to live near two of the largest toys stores ever--FAO Schwartz (complete with a giant piano that you can dance on) and the flagship Toys R Us in Times Square. So when we want to have a little fun, we all hop on the train and go down town.

2. Set up bakery. I love to cook and bake. So it makes sense that I pass this onto my girls. We make sugar cookies that we can decorate with "water colors" (food coloring that's slightly watered down) or pizza or anything else that strikes our fancy. The trick is to not care too much about a mess, and make sure it's something that your kids can help with.

3. Watch a good movie. I try to find movies of books that we may have read. Even if I don't, we make popcorn and cuddle up. It's not particularly academic but it is a good stress buster.

4. Go exercising. We like to take our bikes to the park and ride or go jogging. You can even count this as Physical Education.

5. Play board games. It kind of counts as school--you're likely doing something that requires thinking. Then you figure in cooperation, social skills--and you practically have yourself a whole lesson plan!

6. Do some community service. Our community service usually involves my kids making cards for people at a local nursing home. But if you have older children you'll likely be able to do a little bit more. Consider even making dinner for a neighbor.

The trick to blowing off a school day is to do it before you burn out. If one day off will help you refocus your year, then it's an investment well worth it. What do you do if you need a fun day?

Also Read. . .

Confessions of a Supermom: I Never Burn Out

Confessions of a Supermom: The Doldrums

Confessions of a Supermom: The Big Picture

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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