POINTERS FOR PARENTS 100 Bite-Size Summer Moments: Family Fun Made Simple

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Positive memories of family activities and healthful foods such as blueberries, as in these Red, White and Blueberry Popsicles, can set kids on a positive path toward good choices that last a lifetime.
Positive memories of family activities and healthful foods such as blueberries, as in these Red, White and Blueberry Popsicles, can set kids on a positive path toward good choices that last a lifetime.

(NAPSI)—As a parent, life is chaotic. Some days can feel like a race to get through, but when we slow down and savor a joyful moment of simplicity, we never regret it. Positive memories that involve lively activities and healthful foods, like blueberries, can set kids on a positive path, instilling shared memories and good choices to last a lifetime.

To make this summer unforgettable, the Blueberry Council is sharing 100 Bite-Size Summer Moments—simple, enjoyable, wholesome and delicious things to do as a family. Here are 25 “bites,” or ideas for things to do together to kick off the summer. You can find detailed recipes and blueberry farm locations, plus new Bite-Size ideas every two weeks now-August, at littlebluedy namos.com:

  • Slow it down on your nature walk—take pics of the coolest and weirdest things you see, then look them up when you get home.
  • Pick your own blueberries at a nearby farm—make something fun or eat ‘em fresh!
  • Pack up paper and art supplies for a trip to the local zoo and draw the animals you like best. Can you say arts and giraffes?
  • Punch up your lunch with a family picnic! Everyone gets to choose or make one thing he or she likes the most.
  • Stir up an adults-only beverage with Blueberry Moscow Mules. The occasion? Life.
  • Establish a “no-phone zone” at meals. Replace texting with talking! What did YOU learn/do today?
  • Host a recipe swap party with friends. Discover healthy, fun snacks for kids AND the latest gossip. #WinWin.
  • Try your hand at fun-shaped pancakes. Not artistically inclined? Everyone can make a delicious smiley face out of blueberries!
  • Challenge kids to make their own recipes using only ingredients already at home. (It’s not lazy, it’s resourceful!)
  • Shop together for exotic new fruits or veggies to try—like star fruit or artichokes—and find recipes to use them.
  • Preserve the taste of summer with homemade blueberry jam. Your future self will be grateful!
  • Go for gold with your own Summer Olympics at the pool with races, relays and other games.
  • Make each member of the family a “Wellness Wednesday” jar to drop in activity and healthy food ideas. Every Wednesday, pick one from each jar and let the wellness wash over you.
  • Plant blueberry bushes on your property. The environment and your family will thank you!
  • Give your kids’ roadside stand an edge with bright blueberry lemonade.
  • Get ready for long car trips and beach vacays with a neighborhood book swap.
  • Got picky eaters? Entice them with a build-your-own-smoothie bar full of fruits/veggies.
  • Plan a neighborhood “progressive playdate,” moving from house to house to enjoy different “play stations.”
  • Rally the kids for a local playground/park cleanup day.
  • Clear space for a serious dance floor. Rock the house with a Zumba party or try out the funniest moves you can find on YouTube.
  • Hit your local blueberry festival for tasty treats and activities.
  • Make a friend’s day with a surprise letter! Fill the envelope with fun paper gifts like a handmade bookmark, stickers or confetti—and don’t forget to decorate the envelope!
  • Practice “Muffin Tin Math”; with toddlers, letting them count and categorize healthy snacks in muffin tins or ice cube trays.
  • Take turns storytelling—each person contributes one sentence at a time. Write down or record for lasting family memories.
  • Chill out with some guilt-free, homemade ice pops with frozen fruit. Here’s how:

Red, White and Blueberry Popsicles

Makes 4

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 cup frozen blueberries, thawed

1 cup diced watermelon

4 popsicle sticks and mold

In a blender, add blueberries and 5 tablespoons yogurt; puree until smooth. Divide blueberry mixture among the ice pop molds, filling them about ⅓ of the way. Freeze 1-2 hours. Add a layer of 2 tablespoons yogurt on top of frozen blueberry layer to each ice pop mold. Freeze 1 hour until almost completely frozen. In the meantime, puree watermelon and 1 tablespoon yogurt in a blender. When the yogurt layer is almost completely frozen, add watermelon mixture to form top layer of the ice pops. Push in the pop handles. Freeze another 1-2 hours.

Keep this list handy for inspiration and adventure, marking off each one as you live it, and find more ideas from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council at www.littlebluedynamos.com/BiteSizeSummer.