It's summer. Everyone is hot and cranky. Your children have changed their mantra from "we don't want to go to school" to "we're bored." As parents, we look forward to summer vacation as the time for our family to enjoy each other's company, but it doesn't always seem to work out that way. Try these ten terrific tips to help you and your family stay connected, while making the most of this special summer season.

1. Keep bedtimes fairly consistent. It's fine to get to bed an hour later in the summer if sleeping later is also possible, but getting into the habit of staying up until you can't keep your eyes open isn't good for anyone. It will also make it more difficult getting back into the old routine next fall. Even if it's still light out, try to stick within an hour of regular bedtimes. A sudden change can cause everyone to get cranky.
2. Serve regular meals and snacks. Hungry children are not fun to be with. Hungry parents are even worse. Without the enforced schedule of school, it's easy to slip into some bad patterns. Watch the clock and make sure there are plenty of healthy snacks available.
3. Limit cooking. Try to keep salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruits and vegetables on hand at all times. Hot food isn't as tempting in the summer anyway and hot kitchens are definitely not appealing.
4. Plan some family activities. Even if you aren't taking a vacation, you can visit nearby attractions like parks, museums or lakes. To find local activities online just search for your city online at Yahoo or go to a nearby hotel, resort or restaurant and scan the tourist racks for ideas.
5. Schedule some free time. Every member of your family needs a little time just to relax. While being bored isn't much fun, children need to learn to entertain themselves every so often.
6. Rediscover your hometown. Check with the local parks department, library, school district and any recreation organizations for summer activities that would interest your family. Don't try to fill every waking moment, but look for both active and quiet opportunities.
7. Do chores together as a family. Make a list of tasks that the children enjoy doing. Some children like playing with a spray bottle and will go around happily cleaning glass or appliances if they get bored. Others enjoy pushing a lawn mower or a vacuum cleaner. There are always socks that need sorting. Bathing a dog and washing the car provide older children a chance to get wet on a hot summer day when they are "too old" for wading pools or sprinklers. Be creative.
8. Create a list of your favorite games as a child. Suggest one of these to your children when they can't think of anything to do. If your children haven't learned kick the can or statue tag or some other game you enjoyed, get out and teach them. If you have trouble remembering the rules or thinking of games, check the library or check these sites to refresh your memory. Rules for a variety of kids games can be found at Games Kids Play. Rules for various forms of tag can be found at Playground Appreciation Association Tag Rules.
9. Create a job jar. Cut those "to-do" lists apart with games and chores mixed together. Every time a child complains "I'm bored" have them draw a slip from the jar and do whatever is listed. This will be used more if the "jobs" are mostly fun, but it's all right to slip in a few real chores to make it more sporting.
10. Try something different. Summer vacation time is the perfect opportunity for this. If you want to have a more active lifestyle, plan more physical activities during the summer. If you want your family to spend more time reading or learning, begin now. Habits encouraged over the summer will carry over once school is again in session. Take this time to make some changes. You just might find that you not only survived the summer, but actually had the best summer ever!