Where are your children going this summer?

United States
May 27, 2008 9:10am CST
My son is out of school in two days and even though he wants to go home to visit his Dad in California for a week or two, it doesn't cover the entire summer. I'm at a loss as to how to entertain him all summer long and don't want to leave him home all day by himself. I really can't afford full time childcare and the childcare that I have used in the past is a neighbor and has recently moved. What are you going to do with your children when they are finished with school? Do you have any suggestions as to programs that I may be able to look into that are not too costly?
3 people like this
13 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
28 May 08
I have a 16 year old daughter ans she is with me and my husband most of the time. She does have a boyfriend though and she has been spending alot of time with him, his sister and his mother. She went to a graduation and a wedding this past weekend with them. I am sure her summer will be full of activities with them this year. My daughter is out of school for the summer now too. Our schools have an after school program and they also run it in the summer for working parentsa. You may want to check into that also. I have also heard that enrollemtn in the YMCA is good also.
3 people like this
• United States
28 May 08
Those are both really good ideas. Thanks. I think I'll make checking with the school a definite priority.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
28 May 08
Some of the churches and some junior colleges have childcare services and some towns have summer programs for youngsters also that are inexpensive.I am a senior citizen so do not have those problems anymore.
• United States
28 May 08
Thank you for the suggestions. I'm mad at myself because I let it wait to the last minute and now I don't know what my options are.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
27 May 08
My daughter is now 14v and so will be working and has volleyball practice through the summer. Our local community college ha college for kids, maybe this would interest him? What about friends from school? About a month before school got out I would have my daughter ask her friends what they were doing. Is he old enough to volunteer? He could also start his own dog walking weed pulling business.
• United States
27 May 08
I'll look into any college programs that might be available, but we aren't in a neighborhood that is safe for him being on his own. Although, he would LOVE to have any kind of opportunity to earn money.
2 people like this
@34momma (13882)
• United States
27 May 08
My middle son who is 12 is going to be home. He is on a new basketball team and will be doing day trips to theme parks. my little momma is going still be in the school or rather daycare as she is only three going on 33. my little baby girl.
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
27 May 08
I remember the days of trying to find childcare during the holiday but that is about the only advantage of not being able to work anymore! I don't know your area at all so I can't really help unless you know other families in the same area where the parents are working too? If you work different shifts could you perhaps work together and take it in turns to watch all the kids together! Whatever happens I hope you manage to work something out that works for you and your son! xxx
2 people like this
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
27 May 08
My daughter will be staying here this summer. Money is tight. She also starts kindergarten in a few months. I want to spend as much time as I can with her before she goes. Daycare has never been an issue for us. That must be rough. Have you considered summer classes? Some districts close to us offer FREE school during the summer. My nieces think they are fun.
2 people like this
@Ohara_1983 (4117)
• Kuwait
3 Jun 08
I am not planning any vacation at this year because I just did it last year and that was September so in my next vacation plan that would be early next year on March during my Daughter's graduation in elementary and we will just have to enjoyed the Summer time in Kuwait through beaches and Restaurant with the Family park together there is no vacation plan outside of the Country....
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Jun 08
I don't think I've ever taken a summer vacation. Whats it like in Kuwait?
@miryam (6505)
• Italy
27 May 08
if i had a sons would come with me, dut i have one the dog i cannot too much warm where i go and it holds it my mother myryam byeeeeeeee
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
29 May 08
I am not sure yet. I am still on several waiting lists for swimming lessons and still contemplating on sending him to a sports camp that costs a lot but would be great for him to attend. We shall see.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 May 08
I took swimming lessons almost every summer and absolutely hated it. A sports camp would be great, but I'm not sure I could afford it.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
28 May 08
Well, my kids are home schooled and we probably won't stop doing school yet. I think that I will continue school for a little bit longer as we have taken a lot of time off this year. My oldest daughter will work and she will watch her sister when she can. They have decided that they want to stay in the camper that we have set up at Grandma's house and then they can ride 4 wheelers a lot during the day.
• United States
28 May 08
Unfortunately, I don't have family that live close or even friends here in this city that could watch him. I surely wish I did.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
28 May 08
My son is in summer school for the next 3 weeks. After that I am not sure. My sister was thinking about visiting her friend in Arkansas this summer and she asked if he could go with her for a few weeks, so he might get to do that.
• United States
28 May 08
You should look up for camps in your area. mabey recreation centers around you have many programs going on this summer. im almsot posative they do.IF YOU HAVE ANY in there firstplace. I could never let my child go for a whole summer. i would be misrable. worrying about her wondering what she is doing and what is going on. I just rather pay daycare and thats that. iF daycare is to expensive. social services has a daycare program they can help you with and pay half and you pay according to your pay. I am getting help with childcare and i pay 51 dollars a month, i go to a 5 star daycare. So that tells you.
@nupats (3564)
• India
28 May 08
i have put my three year old in art and craft class, dance class, swimming coaching and roller skating classes..i have to keep him busy or he will just watch TV or chew my brains out..
1 person likes this
• United States
28 May 08
I don't mind my 11 year old being on his own for a few hours, but all day long is just too many hours. Its funny how you said "chew my brains out". LOL.
@nupats (3564)
• India
28 May 08
each of those classes are only twice a week for two hours in mornings...so i also need a two hr break bcoz once he is back he is allover me ..i planned it so that he goes for some class every day!!..he is very naughty