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We all want to enjoy a fun and memorable summer with our kids. But it can be so hard to enjoy this time if you experience extreme fatigue. Hypothyroidism can leave us feeling exhausted and anxious, but with a little planning, there are many summer activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Here are nine symptom-friendly activities that will get your kids excited for summer and leave you with a little energy to spare:
9 fun summer kid activities for parents with hypothyroidism
At first glance, a picnic sounds like a lot of work, even if you're not suffering hypothyroid symptoms, but you'll probably prepare some type of lunch for your kids anyway, so why not throw it in a cooler and take to the park? When you combine a picnic with a cool morning at the nearby playground or splash pad, your kids will think it’s the most exciting outing! You can pack a thyroid-approved lunch, and sit on the bench or blanket while your kid expels his or her energy with play.
This is a fun activity for younger kids. Toss a bunch of Duplo or Legos into the swimming pool or kiddie pool and then let the kids use a small net to fish for the blocks. Honestly, this activity can keep them entertained for hours!
Summer is time for kids to explore outside! And scavenger hunts are the perfect way to get them exploring. They are easy to create and can be tailored to any theme, any age, any place. Create a checklist for a hunt of your own. Ideas might be things in the backyard, things in the neighborhood, plant scavenger hunt, wilderness survival theme, et cetera. Give them a paper bag to collect items, and off they go! You can make almost anything (read: chores) into a game by turning it into a scavenger hunt.
Going to the movies in the summer is a great activity for the exhausted parent. A dark, cool movie theatre (especially the ones with full recliners) is the perfect place to rest your mind and body while your kids are simultaneously entertained. Many Cinemark theatres offer a $1 summer movie clubhouse which is gentle on the wallet.
This is a perfect family activity! Grab some glow sticks at your local dollar store, or find a ready-to-play set on Amazon. Place 5 cups upside down, near each other on the ground, in whatever formation you wish. Assemble rings with the glow sticks, and give 3 to each team member. Toss the rings and try to get them around each cup. Get creative with you house rules, and then play at a block party or backyard barbecue!
Rock painting is super fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. Before you start, have the kids collect some medium-size rocks to be painted. If you can’t find any nearby, they are also sold at craft supply and home improvement stores, where you can also buy inexpensive paints and brushes. Let their creativity go wild! They can paint rocks to collect, create rock pets, play hide and seek with completed rocks, or even start a rock hiding group in your community.
Pop some 'corn, pour candy in bowls, and have yourself a perfect evening at home with a movie. Kids love family movie night and it requires very little energy. Amp up the excitement by letting the kids to camp in the living room that night, too. Movie, popcorn and candy, plus camping; what more could you ask for on a summer night?
What kid doesn't love ice cream? Load everyone up on a weeknight and head out for an ice cream cone. You might even find a local spot that does discounted cones on certain days. Bump up the fun with a car ride scavenger hunt. Drive around town while they eat their ice cream. Points are awarded for the first person to spot a certain vehicle, color, sign, et cetera. The kids will love the competition and the only energy required from you is driving (and opening up your wallet for extra sprinkles)!
Wait! We know this sounds like energy you don't have when you're corralling children, but did you know? A short walk can boost your metabolism and help you conquer fatigue. There are so many great mental and physical benefits of walking, plus this easy exercise can help with the anxiety and stress that sometimes comes with hypothyroidism. Kids can even ride their bike or skate while you walk. Lots of fun, quality family time can be spent walking in your neighborhood or nearby walking track.
Hopefully this list sparks some inspiration for a fun summer with your kids.
Of course, the most important thing is that you don’t have to do it all. Kids enjoy simple activities! Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to create something extravagant and memorable, but who needs the stress? With just a little forethought and organization, summer will be amazing for you and your kids.
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