Families Matter Newsletter
Pottawatomie County
OSU Extension Service
June 2019
Volume 16, Issue 8
Summertime Memories = Summertime Fun
Summertime gives us great opportunities to make some meaningful memories with children. Since most families have been spending time at home together for quite some time now, here are some ideas to help you continue to make the most of the summer months.
Making your own home and yard a fun place to be is the best way to build relationships and memories with your kids. Make a homemade ice cream night, play yard games, bring out the sprinkler and garden hoses and those make for some of the best family nights around!
  The key is that you are there and playing with them. 
UNPLUG – It is easy to get “tied” to screens in the summer months. 
Parents report that when their kids curtail television viewing or computer games, they play more creatively, get more exercise, and seem more relaxed overall .
 
Many families find that when the electronic stimulation is gone, kids tend to read more books, play musical instruments, race around the neighborhood on their bikes, put on a play, or
rediscover old-fashioned board games. Backyard softball games and even hide-and-seek become exciting.
 
STRUCTURING FAMILY TIME – Although the lack of routine is great, kids still work better if given a simple “unstructured” routine for their day. This is great for kids and parents because they are able to avoid the “I am bored” or “I have nothing to do” issues that come up every summer. 
CREATING THE ENVIRONMENT
Make sure you put some thought into the things you provide for your kids to play with. Here are a few simple ideas:
·   Have a tub filled with simple craft supplies, markers, glue, crayons, paper
·   Make use of inexpensive yard games like badminton, croquette, kick balls
·   Look for old board games and puzzles at garage sales and thrift stores.
·   Check out your local libraries downloadable book
options or new check out system.
sand-toys-sale.jpg
Tips for Perfect Homemade Flavored Waters
  1. It is best to let the homemade fruit-flavored waters infuse for at least 12 hours, if not overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. Homemade Infused Waters last for one week in fridge–you may want to take out the citrus after 48 hours to prevent bitterness from the peel–I leave it in, but the choice is yours!
  3. Once you have drunk the flavored waters, fill the jar back up with water and let the remaining fruits flavor water again. The flavor won’t be as potent, but you can do this for up to 1 week. (After a week the fruits and herbs need to be discarded to make fresh water.)
  4. It is best to mix up or muddle the fruit with the back of a wooden spoon before placing in the refrigerator to help release the flavors into the waters.
A Splash of Flavor – Infused Water Basics

How many times have you been told to drink water? We know it’s essential, but sometimes we need some flavor. Thus, infused water (flavored water) is a great sweet beverage substitute – plus, it’s cost-efficient and easy to make!

Infused water is a combination of fruits, herbs, and vegetables mixed into plain old water. Whichever fruit or vegetable that use can either be sliced or mashed when adding it to the mix. Below is the breakdown of how to make your own infused water:
1. Pick your produce. You can use one item or a combination of fruit and vegetables.
2. Decide if you want to add a garnish (fresh herbs).
3. Get your water. You’ll need at least 4 cups to every ½ – 1 cup of fresh produce. It depends on your taste! How sweet do you want it? You can add more or less produce to sweeten your water. 
4. Then infuse – Infusion takes about 2 hours, depending on the temperature.
Warm climates – 1 hour (left on the counter for example) Cold climates – 2 hours (placed in the refrigerator)
 

Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion
The following tips can help children avoid heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
  • Dress children in light-colored, light-weight and loose-fitting clothing on hot days.
  •  Schedule vigorous activities and sports for the coolest part of the day. Take rest breaks in shady or cool areas.
  •  Protection from the sun is essential. Hats and sunglasses can help block out sun. A sunscreen with a rating of at least 15 SPF is recommended.
  • Gradually increase time spent outdoors to get a child’s body used to the heat.
  • Have children take frequent drink breaks. They can “wet down” or mist themselves with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
  • On very hot and humid days, skip the outdoor play and take part in fun activities indoors.
 
DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!

Quick Fix Recipes—
Pantry Meal
Contact the Extension Office at 273-7683 or sonya.mcdaniel@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a veteran, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.