Completing these projects gives your children a sense of accomplishment. It also brings kids to the new school year feeling stronger and more confident than before.

Here are a few summer project ideas to get your wheels turning:

1.    Plant and harvest a garden.

Help your kids research their favorite flowers, vegetables or herbs, and then head to the store as a family to pick out seeds or plants. Grab some garden gear and make a routine out of caring for the garden together. Kids can also plan a special meal or recipe for your family using vegetables harvested from their very own garden.

2.    Help those in need.

Encourage your kids to choose and volunteer for the summer with an organization they feel passionate about. Helping others will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment and build a stronger appreciation for the lives they have.

3.    Redesign a bedroom.

Give your kids the freedom of creative expression and let them oversee a makeover of their bedroom. Schedule the updates in phases over a few fun weekends and take photos that chronicle progress of the transformation.

4.    Learn a foreign language.

Planning a family trip to another country this summer? Learn the language together and practice common phrases before heading to the airport.

5.    Tackle a physical challenge.

Support your kids in taking on a physical challenge that’s outside their comfort zone, like learning to climb a rock wall. With every step, they’ll be building positive confidence.

For additional thoughts on connecting with your children, visit the Connecting page of our website.