Natalie and Emma wish they would have time to be bored this summer, but their schedule is jam-packed with work, weekend trips, and (hopefully) a week's vacation.
By Natalie Lester, Brand Marketing Specialist
School has been out for a few weeks, and you’re starting to hear “I’m bored” from the kids. Even the dog may start glaring at you in the afternoon for something to do. You can only use the clever comeback of, “You can always clean your room or help me in the kitchen” so many times, so we’ve come up with a list of fun activities for kids (and pets) of any age...
• Draw a pet portrait with sidewalk chalk. Have your kids sketch their pet on your driveway. If you have more than one child, you can award ribbons for the “Best in Show.” Your pet will love watching the children draw and chasing the chalk back and forth on the driveway.
• Visit the local pool, lake or creek. Both pets and kids love water. Why not take them for a swim? It will cool everyone off, and let them get rid of some of the pent up energy.
• Take an obedience class. One of the main reasons some families decide to adopt a dog is to teach their children responsibility. After all, caring for another living thing is a huge job! As a parent, you know discipline plays a large role in success. Help your kids understand why it is so important by allowing them to take the pet to obedience school. Send a Lickety Stik along to encourage good behavior from the pooch. Both may be better behaved afterwards!
• Set up the sprinkler. If you don’t want to visit the pool or worry about your pet running off in a public place, create your own water park in your yard with your sprinkler. With a few added buckets and squirt guns, it’s a guaranteed good time.
• Play hide and seek. Keep your pet in the room with you while you count and your child goes to find the perfect hiding spot. When you are done counting, let your child call for your pet until he finds him.
• Blow bubbles. It’s hard not to smile when you see a child blowing bubbles, and dogs love to chase them. Send them out to the yard for giggles!
Kids often have the best play mate available with the family dog. By giving them a few fun activities, you can help them create a stronger bond.
• Build a fort. On a rainy day, it’s hard to be cooped up indoors. Pull up a few chairs and drape a blanket over them. Add to the structure until you're satisfied, and let your pet chase your little one as they explore.
• Paint with your fingers and paws. On your back porch, set up large poster boards with finger paints for your kids and pets to play with. It will be a beautiful piece of art you will treasure for years to come.
• Bake summer treats. Who doesn’t get a little sweet tooth when you’re bored. While baking the kids' favorite snacks, look for pet-friendly treats you can make at home too. Another fun thing to do is to have your kids help you make them. Use pet-themed cookie cutters and pet-safe treat icing for even more fun.
• Go on a hike. It always helps to hit the trail and clear everyone’s mind. Your pet will love to explore a new area with sounds and smells that are different from their backyard. Your kids will enjoy seeing new sights and spending time with you.
What are your favorite summer activities? Are there others your kids and pets enjoy together?
ABOUT NATALIE As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. Natalie’s puppy, Emma, spends almost as much time in the office as she does.
