What do I do with bored kids?

Dear Crabby,

It’s summer vacation and my kids tell me everyday that they’re bored! What can I do around town that won’t cost a fortune?  – Frazzled Mom

Dear Frazzled, Ah yes, summer vacation, the two words that bring joy to the hearts of children and fear into the hearts of mothers. In true advice column form, I will begin by asking you a question. Why did you have children in the first place? Social status? Peer pressure? Future security? Mrs. Crabby and I chose to have children because we felt that the world would be a better place with more people who looked like us. Genetics aside, we come to the crux of the matter. You reproduced, the people that you pay to watch your children for half of the year are tired of your kids, and now after three and a half weeks with the little angels, so are you.

Fortunately, you’ve reached the Crabby Helpdesk and we have your solution. Simply put, children like to do things that we as adults think are stupid. We have many parks and trails in the community that are ABSOLUTELY FREE to anyone that wants to use them. Pack a picnic lunch; call some of your mom friends that have similarly aged kids and head to the park for the afternoon. Dear Crabby has found time and time again that children who exercise are healthier, happier and tend to go to bed earlier.

Not the outdoorsy type? Crabby has the solution for “indoor” style frazzled moms as well. Give your kids the chance to learn some life skills. The Crabby household always has laundry that needs to be folded! Teach your youngster to cook a meal. Your kids will love the attention from you and will take pride in their accomplishments. In any case, take heart Frazzled. The school year is just around the corner!

Do you have a question you would like answered? Dear Crabby knows it all!  Send in your queries to dearcrabby@rochestermedia.com