Screen-Free Summer?

Summer is here!  It is so easy (and tempting!) to drop the schedules and expectations in the summer - it's time to relax and have fun!  However, keeping some structure and boundaries tends to be better for everyone, helping to ensure some of the consistency children often need in order to feel safe and secure so that they can relax and have fun (and so you can, too).  
One example of setting boundaries is with technology - this is a big one for many of our kids these days, and if we aren't careful, they can easily spend all summer indoors and miss out on beautiful Seattle-area nature and quality family bonding.  A contract can help children visualize the tasks, chores, and expectations needed in order to earn electronics. (see example below)
It can be a challenge to think up alternative activities that kids can be just as enthusiastic about, so also included below is a list to help them stay active and engaged over these next sunny months.