No more homework, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks...now what to do?

No more homework, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks...

This is the last week of school for the year. I don't know whether to cry because I am happy or cry because I am sad. I guess it is a little of both.

Pros: sleeping in and getting up without an alarm. Cons: sibling rivalry.

Pros: spending time with my kids while they are young. Cons: sibling rivalry.

Pros: leisurely days at the pool. Cons: sibling rivalry.

Hmm. I am noticing a recurring theme here. While sibling rivalry is normal, it certainly can put a damper on the leisurely day by the pool. From what I have previously read, it is a necessary part of adolescence and prepares the children for adulthood situations. I do remember kicking my older sister when I was mad (and I still feel bad about it) but I wouldn't kick my boss when mad. So, while it was a terrible thing to do as a child, I have since learned more mature ways of controlling emotions and my sister can hold that over my head forever.  

KidsHealth.org provides advice to parents stating "Don't get involved". No problem. Just get me a bucket of popcorn and I can watch them duke it out.They also write to give them their own space. I can do that too. They can go to their rooms and not come out until school starts in September. And if fights are frequent, you can hold a family meeting. That's when we say "Do as I say and not as I do."

For myself, this really is good advice and sometimes hard to implement. Fortunately, there are loads of summer activities to do. One year we researched praying mantis. We bought an egg from and recently video taped them hatch. We have had eggs hatch for three years now and still find it educational. Another time we practiced photography and each had specific color or object to find.  

Bucks County and nearby towns have a vast array of things to do for free and for a fee. And Bucks County Family Fun events has a facebook page to send the excitement right to your facebook newsfeed. Plus, Lower South offers activities for families which should help take the stress off of us so we can all enjoy the summer.  The  swim club offers a cool relief on long hot days. And don't forget about the . The summer reading program starts 6/18/11.

Keep watch of postings on patch.com to stay acquainted with local happenings. What do you and your family enjoy doing in the summer? Tell us in the comments below.