Summer Fun For Kids - 5 Skills You Can Learn Together

If you are looking for fun things to do with your kids this summer, why not teach them a new skill? Here is a list of skills that we have learned together that have been fun for all of us.

1. Learn how to play the guitar: We started with a cheap electric guitar because we loved playing Rock Bank so much. We learned that playing a real guitar is nothing like Rock Band, but just as fun. We grabbed some beginner guitar books at our local music store, learned the basic notes and how to tune our guitar. Everyone loved it so much that we decided to purchase a nicer acoustic guitar because all of us wanted to play at the same time. The kids actually like the electric guitar better because it is easier to hold and easier to play. Now all we needed was practice and consistency. We are still playing and getting better everyday.
2. Learn how to play chess: My husband taught us all how to play this fun game of strategy. We knew it would be a lifetime thing that we would never grow tired of. First, we needed to learn the rules, strategies, and maneuvers. Then, we found a used chess table that we set up permanently in the living room. It is amazing how often the kids sit down and play. My kids always ask me, usually when working on homework, when it is that a person uses math in real life, anyway? I tell them that chess players are ranked up there with the worlds rocket scientists, because the game itself involves math, strategy, and some serious thinking. See, math IS fun! Chess is a good example of that. Now, go learn how to play! In doing research, I learned that chess is so good for us. It develops our memory, improves concentration, teaches us to look both ways before crossing the street, develops logical thinking, promotes creativity, imagination, and much more. The best part for us is that it is fun. It is better than other board games because it is never the same, and most importantly, it never gets boring.
3. Learn how to roller skate: We actually took some classes at our local roller rink when the children were around 6 years old. They have loved roller skating ever since. Since we like 50's music, hula-hooping, and bubblegum at our house, this skill was the perfect fit for us. Try it and you might like it!
4. Do some gardening: The first thing the children learned how to do was to plant sun-flowers. This was an easy starter project and the results were fantastic! We have moved on to other kinds of flowers and a vegetable garden, as well. For us, gardening has captured the kids' interest and has taught them nurturing skills. They definitely get an introduction to healthy foods, and of course a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
5. Do a little sewing: After teaching myself to knit, I taught my kids. Now, we enjoy knitting together on cold nights in front of the fireplace, especially. We have worked on easy cross-stitch projects as well as crafts. My mom even taught us how to make a rag doll out of an old sock! We enjoy quilting, too. Each of my daughters has been working on a baby quilt for their hope chest.

Find just the right skill for you and your family to enjoy this summer! Then, see how great it is to have the television and the video games turned off and the creativity and imagination turned on!