Are you ready for the Summer?

If you live in the South like I do school is already out and for the rest of the country this is probably the last week of school. So now that you are home with the kids what to do? Many families are opting for a "staycation" in the midst of these difficult economic times, staying close to home and enjoy local activities is a budget friendly alternative to costly summer vacations.

The downside of staying home is the inevitable messes that occur. I recall a time period before I was married when I was doing consulting work from home. As a solo individual at home 24/7 I was cleaning more than I ever did in life! Add a child or children and a husband to the mix and you can imagine the heavy duty cleaning that needs to be done.

Cleaning, entertaining and summer time fun. That is a heavy list and I can appreciate tips to keep all of these balls in the air! Mom Central and Clorox have partnered to develop several tips that will help moms trying to do it all on "staycation" .

Staying Safe at BBQs. According to a recent survey, 70 percent of Moms are cooking more at home and many are likely switching up their meal routine with an outdoor BBQ. Make sure your kids have a safe BBQ experience by keeping them away from the flames and any sharp knives. Also, don't forget to check that your child's hamburger is fully cooked. Always keep a thermometer on hand to be sure all food has reached the appropriate inside temperature.

Keep the Pool Cool and Clean. If your kids love to spend hot afternoons in kiddie pools, you know the importance of cleaning the pool area. Dump out water after each session, and keep the pool clean by disinfecting it with a solution of ¾ cup bleach* to one gallon of water. Don't forget to rinse well and dry thoroughly after each cleaning (never leave any water in the pool). Be sure to always supervise children when they are in or around any water. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)

Staying Healthy and Hydrated. Spending time in the heat means kids will be more prone to becoming dehydrated. Remind kids to take frequent rest/drink breaks in the shade when playing outside and try to avoid activity during peak sun hours. Encourage fluids before, during, and after outside activities.

Having Peace of Mind at Playgrounds. Sometimes just getting out of the house is the best way to keep it clean, but before letting kids loose at the playground, ensure the safety of the equipment. Swing seats and slides can really heat up in the sun – test them out before your kids hop on to avoid burns. Be sure the playground surface is composed of a soft material to help prevent injury. All playground equipment should be routinely checked for any broken or loose parts. As always, adult supervision is a must at all times!

Saving on Spills. Spending extra time around the house, especially with kids, often means more spills to clean up. Synthetic sponges and kitchen cloths can start to smell and carry bacteria, but you don't have to toss them out after a few uses. One option to reduce bacteria is to sanitize sponges and dishrags by soaking them in a bleach solution (¾ cup of bleach* to a gallon of water) for 5 minutes in the sink. Don't forget to rinse and dry when done. A wet sponge can also be microwaved to get rid of bacteria. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)

I know I will be putting some of these tips to good use and I hope they are helpful for you. Are you ready for the summer? I am and firing up the barbie is the first thing on my agenda for the holiday weekend!