No Money, No Time
How can I break the monotony of the summer days? I am a single parent with two kids, one of whom has significant issues related to autism. Although I would love to take the kids on fantastic summer adventures every day, I never have enough money nor enough time to do so. HELP!
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Because most individuals diagnosed with autism thrive on structure, the abundance of unstructured free time in the summer can be frustrating for our friends and for folks around them. Here is a worry-free way of blowing some cool air into long, hot days without too much trouble: Set aside 30 minutes each day for a special summer adventure. Talk about the adventure for several days in advance and remind everyone at breakfast of the upcoming “Adventure for the Day.” The adventure, of course, depends on the interests of your youngsters, but here are some ideas for simple, inexpensive excursions to get you started: + Check out outdoor events at public parks in your community – free concerts, softball tournaments, festivals, and fireworks. + Visit the library. Even non-readers find books galore! + Visit the zoo or a local farm or even a pet store. Nearly all kids enjoy looking at animals. + Visit a nursery. Enjoy the variety of plants in the greenhouse. + Visit the mall to enjoy window-shopping while getting some exercise walking in the air-conditioning. + Give everyone a flashlight and take a night hike on a walking trail at a local park. + Lend a helping hand to a neighbor by sweeping the sidewalk or surprising them with a glass of lemonade.
The keys to success are simple: (1) Make plans in advance when possible, but keep a few ideas in your pocket for those “dog days” when advance planning is impossible; (2) Select activities that don’t require too much planning, equipment, or money; and (3) Introduce each activity as a big adventure – even if it is a modest activity like walking around the block or swinging on the porch swing. Remember that investing a little time in summer activities – even 30 minutes a day – reaps HUGE benefits!
We welcome your input. Share challenges and ideas based on your experiences or intuition. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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