With the summer holidays rushing on, you might still find that your child will need some entertainment between summer camps. A fun and giving idea to do with your child this summer is to create a summer memory box.
A simple idea that keeps him focused on his experiences lets him remember and express what has been most fun, meaningful and rewarding experiences of the summer. Once the summer is over you can encourage your child to tell you about his adventures and interests.
Ask your child to collect tokens that are meaningful to him, everything from a pretty stone, museum ticket, bit of beach sand to a postcard, anything that can easily fit into the box. It is also a great idea for all times of the year and could go on forever.
What you need
Shoebox or small storage box
Wrapping paper, napkins or fabric
Glue (paper or fabric)
Scissors
What you do
You use a small storage box, save a shoebox or ask for one at your local shoe shop. The box can be decorated any way you like, be as creative as you like. You can wrap it in fabric or wrapping paper, as if you were making a gift. Just make sure you can open the lid.
If you want to be a bit more creative you can combine different fabrics, papers or even napkins. If you use napkins make sure to cover the surface with glue as well, see our craft idea for Decoupage (http://www.parenthood.ie/fun-and-crafts/tweens/decoupage.html). You can also cut up fabric or papers into bits and make a mosaic of colours and textures.
A good idea is to also write your child's name and the period for when the memories will be collected.
Do you have any great tips to share?