Preparing for 4th of July Fun With Your Family

In the U.S., the 4th of July calls for fireworks, outdoor parties, and time spent with family and friends. No matter what your plans might be, you want everything to go as smooth as possible so that you can get the most enjoyment out of your day.

Many variables can affect this, some you can control and others you cannot. If you are a divorced or separated parent with kids, your holiday custody schedule will be a variable that greatly affects the outcome of your day. For those who have already worked out a holiday parenting time schedule, you'll both have more time to focus on simply enjoying the day. 

Planning ahead for your 4th of July custody schedule—plus having some fun activities to keep your kids occupied—will positively impact your day and the memories that your children take away from it.

Parenting Time Over The 4th of July

Set right in the middle of the summer, the 4th of July falls during a time of year that nearly everyone looks forward to, kids in particular. Since they are out of school, parents working to keep them busy and entertained. But between work schedules and splitting time with the children, it can be tough for co-parents to coordinate the best summer plans.

Families managing a parenting time schedule know all too well that holidays can throw a wrench into your set schedule, especially when both parents always want to celebrate with their kids. If spending the day all together as a family isn't in the cards, you and your co-parent should plan for your 4th of July parenting schedule well ahead of time.

Creating a holiday parenting time plan as part of your parenting agreement will act as your blueprint for the holidays as they come and go. Rotating parenting time on holidays every year is a good way for you and your co-parent to each spend time with your kids on these precious days. Setting this schedule ahead of time will help to reduce conflict or confusion over what the plans are for the holiday.

Planning for Kid-Friendly 4th of July Fun

Once you've worked out your parenting time plan for the 4th of July, you now have to figure out what you'll do with your day. If you'll be spending the day with your kids, having a variety of festive activities ready to go is a fun a way to keep your kids occupied while also having holiday fun.

Decorating the house with things like red white and blue wreaths, stars-and-stripes window clings, and paper streamers are all fun accessories that help to set the mood. 4th of July-themed hats, beads and stickers are also festive and are fun for kids. Many people spend the 4th of July outdoors at the lake, a local park or in the backyard. If you'll be outside, bocce ball, horseshoes, bean bag toss and croquet are classic yard games that are easy for kids to learn and lots of fun to play.

Finally, having some fun and healthy snacks ready to go will give your kids the energy to power through the excitement of the day. Set out some nutritious bites for your kids to munch on like veggies and dip, chilled melon balls, or crackers and cheese slices cut into stars. Don't forget to make sure that your kids drink plenty of water in lieu of fruity sports drinks or soda. Water will help to keep their energy up without experiencing a sugar crash halfway through the day. 

Holidays are loads of fun, yet they sometimes have a tendency to cause unwanted stress. Both you and your kids deserve to have a fun and festive holiday that is memorable for the right reasons. By planning your 4th of July custody schedule well ahead of time and having some fun activities set to go, you'll have more time to spend enjoying the day with loved ones.