During the summer, parents can find many different, engaging, and educational activities to keep stimulating the minds of their children without sticking to a formal school curriculum. While summer breaks ultimately create great opportunities for families to spend time participating in leisure activities or simply vacationing, it’s important to have a good balance between play and learning to ensure the educational progress they had made during the previous academic year will not be lost during the summer. So, here are a few easy and fun science-based experiments that can help parents engage their kids in science while having quality family time and in a low-stress environment.

Melting Skittles With the Magic of Science Is a Great Trick for Kids

A fun and easy science experiment that kids love to do is Skittle Melting Magic. This fun experiment can be done in three simple steps. First, enthusiasts should place the Skittles in a circle on a plate. Then, water should be poured into the center of the plate to cover the bottom of the Skittles. The magic happens when the colors start melting depending on the temperature of the water, forming a chocolate rainbow.

Another good practice with children is to teach them about germs. This can easily be done while teaching children to wash their hands by explaining why it is important and what germs have to do with the process. This is a great opportunity to teach children a valuable life lesson while. A good way to simulate how soap helps to get rid of germs is to put water with grounded black pepper on a plate and use a finger dipped in soap to make the pepper run away from the finger. This can show kids how good hand-washing can repel germs.

Oranges Can Be Used for a Science Experiment Showing Buoyancy

Fun, easy, and educational, the orange buoyancy science experiment is perfect for kids of all ages. Most importantly, it’s very easy to demonstrate, and that is especially great for busy parents. The ingredients are simple and include water and oranges. This experiment shows children that an orange will not sink, but a peeled orange will go directly to the bottom. It’s useful for parents to teach kids some science and how to experiment using the scientific method.

The Walking Water Experiment

Another trick that teaches science very effectively is the walking water experiment. It requires a strip of paper towel folded 1 or 2 inches wide. One end of the paper towel strip should be placed into a glass with colored water and the other end into an empty glass. After staying like that for about an hour, the water will travel through the paper towel until the two glasses have the same amount of liquid. Parents can use several glasses for a better effect.

There are other similar experiments that are easy to do and very interesting for kids. Parents could try the Magic Milk experiment, where dish soap is used to scatter food coloring on top of milk, or the Making Rain experiment, which provides a great visual of how clouds hold moisture and why it rains when they cannot retain it. So, while learning and summer may not go hand in hand for children, parents can be creative with science experiments to keep their kids learning as much as possible.

No working parent wants to hear that their child is spending more time with their nanny than with them. Unfortunately, modern-day dynamics are forcing moms and dads to face this harsh reality. On good days, parents get to spend between two and four hours with their kids. This means that working mothers and fathers are bound to miss some important milestones such as a baby’s first words or steps, a child’s first day at school, or a teenager’s first crush.

While two to four hours may seem too little given that there are 24 hours in a day, it doesn’t mean that parents cannot make the most of it. There are different ways for moms and dads to spend meaningful weeknights with their kids.

Enjoy The Moment

The secret to contentment is the ability to take the time to notice and enjoy a moment as it is happening. It doesn’t have to be something big. In fact, it can be anything — a cute mispronounced word, a funny situation, or a nice meal. Being present while spending time with their children is not only good for bonding but will also reassure kids that their parents see them and care for them.

Forget About Work

Many mothers and fathers make the common mistake of bringing their work-related worries home. This creates tension that children can feel, meaning they choose to keep their distance instead of being with their parents. Furthermore, this bad habit gives kids the feeling that their moms and dads shouldn’t be bothered because they are busy working. Parents should find ways to take a pause from their professional obligations so they can truly be with their children during the few hours they have together.

Pull Away From Phones

Smartphones and other devices can really get in the way. While it is understandable that the modern world expects people to be reachable 24/7, it doesn’t mean that moms, dads, and kids should be on their phones the entire time. Pulling away from devices is an excellent way to create memories. Parents and children can play games, watch movies, tell stories, discuss ongoing events, exercise, and more.

Special Events With the Kids

Traditions are important. They have a huge impact on the dynamics between different family members. Creating regular events is a great way for parents and children to have meaningful weeknights. It can be anything from taco Tuesdays to Friday game nights. Having a special day and hour when the family gathers to be together can make a big difference and bring happiness to everyone.

The Power of Touch

Touch is a very powerful sense. It helps us feel connected to one another. Several studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact with their mothers allows premature babies to gain weight faster. It also helps kids deal with pain regardless of their age. Hugging their children or putting their heads together is a superb way for parents to show their love.

Parents can combine these five techniques to spend amazing weeknights with their children no matter how much time they have to be together.