Find jobs, chores for children during break
By Jon Busdeker on Jun. 28, 2007
Dear Emily: My two children, ages 13 and 16, are now home for the summer. I can’t afford some of these expensive camps, and I just started working full time and can’t spend time with them during the day. How do I keep my restless children out of trouble and entertained while school is out?
— Out of Ideas
Dear Out of Ideas: For your younger child, consider some of the day camps that are not that expensive. If you are a member of a church, they often provide opportunities. He or she may even be old enough to work at one of these camps, allowing him or her to meet other counselors of the same age and do something productive.
If your younger child must stay home, try to keep him or her busy for at least part of the time with chores and summer reading. Giving your child certain responsibilities before he or she just hangs out with friends will help you out and give your child’s summer some purpose.
As for your older child, getting a part-time job would be a great way to keep him or her busy.
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