Look out for pool parties, long hikes, cold popsicles, and camping adventures, it is officially summer in Idaho! Whether you have kids enjoying their freedom from school or you're ready to enjoy the warmer months, summer is a great season to get outdoors and have fun. But it’s very easy to let summer slip through your fingers, especially once it slips into the hotter months and all you want to do is stay inside to escape the heat. Here are some tips to make the most of your summer this year!
Vacations Worth Remembering
Summer is a premium time to take a vacation. The weather is fair and makes for easy traveling whether you are driving or flying. The kids are out of school, you can escape your job for a bit and just enjoy laying in the sun or going on adventures.
It’s easy to fall into a slump or pattern when it comes to taking vacations during the summer. Does your family have a reocurring trip you take every year? Do you rent a cabin in the woods or go to Disney every year, or are you a staycation family who stays around town?
This year, make your vacations something that stands out and creates memories for you and your family. This doesn’t have to mean something expensive, just something new. Here are some ideas to make some vacation memories:
Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained
For many parents, summer can be difficult. The kids are out of school meaning you need to take care of them. You can only hear, “I’m bored” so many times before it starts driving you a little crazy.
So before the boredom of summer sets in, have a plan on how you’ll keep your children out of your hair and busy, while still having fun. This plan should have three parts: helping around the house, personal development, and fun.
Summertime is a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of chores and hard work. Give them jobs to accomplish daily, weekly, and maybe a large summer project they can accomplish. This can be things like doing the dishes, vacuuming the house, pulling weeds out of the backyard, or even painting a room. These jobs give them structure and responsibilities you can use when they are getting too bored.
Personal development can include having your child pursue a hobby, do a summertime workbook to keep their mind sharp, learn a musical instrument or practice a sport. This is time for your child to learn how to practice and develop themselves without a teacher telling them exactly what to do. Especially if it is self-guided, your child can learn very useful skills for the future.
It wouldn’t be summer break without some fun. Plan out exciting activities regularly for your children to enjoy. This can range from going swimming once a week to enjoying local events and festivals. It’s great to plan out entertainment daily, weekly, and something big monthly.
Tackle Home Improvement Projects
Does your home need a new coat of paint? Want to landscape your backyard? Have your children been asking to do a makeover for their room? Summer is the time to tackle these larger home improvement projects.
The weather is generally accommodating during the summer, minus the heat, and you have plenty of daylight to get jobs done. Plus, if friends and family help you out, afterwards you can enjoy a temperate evening outside in celebration of a job well done!
If the costs of a home improvement project are getting away from you, Pioneer can help you reach them with a Home Equity Line of Credit. That way, you can access your home’s equity and pay it off later while still getting the project done now.
Apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit