Keep Your Kids Imagination Growing During Summer for Less Than $20

Video games, websites, I -Pods, cell phones, and television. It seems like today's kids are plugged in, hooked up or wired into some modern marvel of technology 24/7. While none of these activities are completely negative, when used too much they can have detrimental effects on children. Lack of physical exercise can lead to obesity and diabetes. Too much virtual socialization can cause real world social withdrawal, loss of childhood friendships, underdeveloped ability to communicate and compromise, person to person. Social skills that need true development to compete in today's world.

This summer, try something NEW. Actually, something OLD. Turn off the electronics and get back to the basics of childhood play. Let the gardener off for the summer and turn the yard over to the kids. Set up a pool (it doesn't have to be big, a wading pool works wonders). Buy a couple balls, set up a net and join in the fun. For less than twenty dollars you can equip your yard for a summer vacation of fun, and imaginative play. Stop by your local 'Dollar store', 'Dollar Tree', or discount chain. Pick up some badminton rackets with birdies and feathered balls for a dollar, a couple colorful bouncy balls, Frisbee, squirt-guns, water balloons, and whatever else looks like fun.

The perfect, untouched green carpet of grass can easily be transformed into a battlefield filled with water balloons, squirt guns and a wading pool. Sure, the grass won't be perfect but, your kids will be smiling, and it is known to be contagious. You may be surprised to see the 'child' re-emerge in your teen or pre-teen. Invite the neighbor kids over. Soon you may have a popular back yard where laughs abound.

Set up the net to play volleyball with the kids. You don't have to actually buy volleyballs or even have a real knowledge of the rules and regulations for this. In fact, I recommend the $1 colorful bouncy version found at most grocery or dollar discount stores. They are easier to hit, not so hard on the hands, less injuries, more fun! Be versatile, make up your own rules, games and point systems (or don't keep score). Use multiple balls and lots of players; use your feet or hands. Nets are great for many uses in the yard from badminton to volleyball and more.

Frisbees are great for the whole family, even the dogs. They come in a wide variety of types; hard plastic, flexible, foam, small to giant, foldable, and even lighted and glow-in-the-dark for late evening fun. Keep one in the car for a spontaneous stop at the park, on the way to a summer destination. Stopping for a midway break gives everyone a breather and a little exercise. This makes those long drives to anywhere more tolerable.

So, this summer, encourage your kids to rekindle a sense of sibling comradery, create new friendships, build self-esteem, and turn OFF the electronic devises. Be sure to join in the fun, and relax with your children a little this summer, you might be surprised to see some of the 'child within' re-surface in the mirror. Exercise is good for the whole family, and time spent together is invaluable. Sharing and caring about each other makes your family strong and the summer a time to remember. Skip the fast food one night, and stop by the store and equip your yard for a summer vacation of fun.