We told you we wouldn’t leave you empty-handed over the summer holidays, didn’t we? If you have been following our blog over the last couple of weeks, then you will know that it has been jammed packed with ideas and inspiration from summer bucket lists to inspirational stories from our Gator ambassadors. This week we want to explore some fun challenges that the kids can work on while you are catching up with chores. They are brilliant fun for the kids and will be sure to help build on those all-important independence skills.

READ A BOOK FROM START TO FINISH

Sounds easy right? It should be, but often our kids are replacing page-turning time for screentime. This summer set them a reading challenge. This should be one book minimum for younger kids (5-7) and 2-3 books for fluent readers. Why not carve out a certain amount of time each day for reading? If you need some inspiration, you can find our summer reading list guide here.

BUILD AND RUN A LEMONADE STAND

Building a lemonade stand is one of our favourites from our Gator Watch summer bucket list. Ask the kids to develop and run a lemonade stand. To do this, they will need to source the lemonade (either buy some at the shop or make your own at home) create signs, advertising and set up their stall, so it looks appealing to customers. They will need to price their lemonade and keep track of their profits. This activity is timeless and great fun for kids of any age. They will love taking ownership of their creations and having some pocket money to use over the holidays.

CREATE AN ART PROJECT

This summer, ask the kids to pick an art project that they would like to work on. They could make a rocket ship, paint flower pots or make a secret garden. If they need some inspiration sit down with them during some quiet time and research ideas on Pinterest.

MAKE A DEN

Ask the kids to find things from around the house, and in your local area to make a den. They could make the den indoors, outside in the garden, or in your local woodland area.

HELP SOMEONE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

Encouraging kids to help someone in your local area is a great way to help build independence and give back to your local community. Could they help with a litter cleanup? Or pick up groceries for someone in your road? Think about the things your town needs and how your kids can help.

WASH THE CAR

Easy, fun and you get a clean car at the end of it!

MAKE A PEN PAL

This summer, why not suggest that your kids and a couple of their friends write letters to each other? Your child can walk the message to their friend’s house, or the closest post box by themselves with their Gator Watch. This is a great way to encourage positive communication and to reset the boundaries with going out alone.

MAKE AN ESCAPE ROOM

This summer, ask the kids to make an escape room that YOU, the parent has to find your way out of. Kids are often used to solving puzzles, but how often do they get to create the puzzles? They will love putting together clues and props for you.

LEGO CHALLENGE

You can’t go wrong with lego! Why not set the kids a lego challenge and put them on a time limit? We love the idea of making a Lego bridge over a tray of water. They will love having something to work towards, and they will be super proud of their creations at the end of it.

TRY A STEM CHALLENGE

We love encouraging our kids to enjoy STEM, and what isn’t there to enjoy? Kids love a challenge, and the possibilities are endless. Why not get them to make their own umbrella? Or get them to try their hand at some tower building with simple tools such as lollipop sticks and clips?
We hope you love these ideas as much as we do. Summer doesn’t have to be about spending money and holding your kid’s hand for the whole six weeks. They will love taking on some new challenges. Which of these challenges will you be trying with the kids? Join the conversation in the comments below or via our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

My Gator Watch is a wearable mobile phone designed especially for 5-12-year-olds. It uses GPS, two-way calling, works across multiple networks and has an SOS feature for peace of mind. It does not have a messaging feature, and you, the parent; determine all numbers that are pre-set within the phone.

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