5 Ways I’m Connecting With My Kids This Summer

Facebook

It can be easy to get lost in the everyday mom shuffle. Here’s how I’m connecting with my kids each day.

This is a sponsored post. Thanks for supporting Project Motherhood!

5 Ways I’m Connecting With My Kids This Summer

Let’s be real here: we live in a society of disconnect. Technology, gaming, Netflix – these are all things that I consider double edge swords because they pull us apart in a sense, but also bring us together. Blake has a Kindle that she got for Christmas and Branden got his phone for his 10th birthday and I will admit that we don’t have many rules set for them when using these devices over the summer. I will say that since we’ve moved though, their days have predominantly been spent outdoors with neighbors, which has been amazing for them. And me? I’m connected to my devices, too. Whether I’m working in my office or scheduling social media from my phone on the patio – I’m doing it, too.

As I always say though, it’s all about balance and every day is understandably different for everyone. Some days I can’t pull myself away from it all (because work) and some days are wide open for more impactful ways of connecting with these kiddos – especially during the summer months when Branden is off of school. Here are 5, simple ways that I’m building stronger bonds with these two crazy humans.

1. We’re discovering new things together.

We have a HUGE park that is a 5 minute walk from our house and there is just so much to explore. This is where I run in the mornings, so most days Blake experiences it from her jogging stroller, so exploring has been extra fun for her. This week we conquered the Daffodil Meadow that has beautiful flowers and paths carved out so you can walk through them. We also discovered a walking train down my the lake that the park surrounds and plan on seeing where that takes us whenever we’re wearing the right gear.

As we all know, kids love to eat and it’s important than I have healthy options on hand that are going to fuel their bodies in the best ways possible – especially whenever they are burning so many calories in the hot sun! Having our favorite Health Warrior Chia Seed bars handy is a life saver to me. They can always be found in our stroller for easy access and the kids adore the Strawberry Shortcake flavor. With only 100 calories and 3g of sugar, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, they are always there to fuel us through our adventures!

2. Through chores.

You might think I’m crazy with this one, but teaching the kids about household duties definitely brings connection. While it might not be their favorite (though Blake loves to help and do everything herself….for now), they will think back on all these learning moments and take the lessons learned with them wherever they go.

3. Spending time in the kitchen.

Both kids love to cook with me, so incorporating more kid-friendly recipes as well as giving Branden more freedom to cook a little bit on his own has not only been fun but definitely given them both a confidence boost. Our current favorite thing is making smoothies and turning the leftovers into frozen treats!

4. Through working towards a bigger cause.

While on a walk last week, Branden asked a question about the overuse of plastic here in the United States and it sparked a really interesting conversation. He taught me some things that I didn’t know and vise versa. We also decided that we would make it our goal to look into more ways we can reduce waste and be more eco-friendly in our home, beyond just reducing plastic. We came up with some pretty cool ideas, which also sparked more research on his end and boom – we’re working on something together that’s really bigger than us both.

5. Playing games.

On a whim, we picked up Uno the other day at Target and Branden and I have been playing it after Blake goes to bed in the evening. Chris is currently away for work for the month so this has been something for us to look forward to without Blake interruptions. It has been so enjoyable and much needed because he definitely doesn’t get enough one on one attention from me.

Looking for similar reads? You’ll love these!

What about you, mama? Are you seeking a little bit more substance to your relationship with your kids? For me, this has become a bit more challenging as Branden has gotten older and having these moments of connection to look forward to have made me so happy each day. Having Health Warrior Chia Seed bars always stoked in our pantry makes it even easier for us to pack a quick, healthy snack and always be ready for more connecting moments.

XOXO,

Allison