This is my first time doing a prompt from Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. I hope I do it justice!

One of the prompts was “Your Top 10 Summer Don’ts”, so here are mine.


10. DON’T go anywhere at dusk without dousing yourself with bug spray. This is Kansas, people, and the mosquitoes are fierce.


9. DON’T forget the sunscreen. Especially if your kids are as white as mine. Sunburns=cranky kids=cranky mom.


8. DON’T let the stockpile of popsicles get too low. Those freezer pops? Perfect for summer: easy, cool, and LOVED by kids.


7. If you have a baby and just have to get out of the house, DON’T hesitate to hang a Jumperoo from a sturdy tree branch in the yard, cover the grass underneath with a blanket, and throw that baby in there! The tree provides shade and the baby gets to watch what’s going on around him while doing some aerobic exercises of his own (I credit my parents for coming up with that one).


6. Speaking of cranky kids, if you’re taking them to swimming lessons, DON’T forget to pack snacks and juice boxes. When the lessons are over and you have to leave, the minute you get those wet bottoms in their car seats, toss them the goodies and crank up the A/C.


5. If you’re anything like me and would rather not be caught dead in a swimming suit in public, DON’T forget to take a baby or toddler to the pool with you. If you don’t have one, borrow one. Nothing takes the focus off of you better than a cute baby bum in an adorable little swim suit or trunks. But make sure the child can’t swim yet…it doesn’t work if the cutie patootie is at the other end of the pool!


4. Got boob sweat? DON’T think twice about throwing an ice cube down in there! The wet spot will dry in the summer sun and you’ll feel better for at least five minutes.


3. DON’T ever leave home without your toenails painted. Or if you’re like me and barely have time to look at your toenails, let alone paint them, throw on some glitter polish. That stuff lasts forever and you can barely tell when it chips.


2. DON’T think that just because it’s hot you can’t accessorize. Find yourself a fabulous pair of sunglasses and a lightweight statement necklace (shell pendants are perfect), a wristful of jangly bracelets, or some big earrings and you’re good to go.


1. DON’T underestimate the power of water. When it’s too hot to be outside but the kids are driving you crazy, throw some sunscreen on everybody and turn on the water. Even a half an hour out there will wear them out and make them happy. They might even take a nap afterwards! The hose and sprinkler, the pool, water balloons? They’re all lifesavers during the summer. Sanity savers even.