So many mothers are looking at their children, and their children are looking back at them and singing that all too familiar song that children have been singing every summer; “Mommy, I’m bored!”  I wonder if Eve had to hear it from her sons, Cain and Abel; “Mom, I’m bored! Mom, there’s nothing to do! Mom, My brother is bugging me!” I wonder is she just shouted in frustration, “Go outside and settle it yourselves!”
My husband tried to talk some sense into my daughter and me. (Something he has to do a great deal of with so much estrogen in the house.)Â He said, ” Every kid in Every House in Every City in Every state is bored, and will be until school starts so just DEAL WITH IT!” Â Thanks honey, but somehow, that didn’t help much other than to make me realize every other mother feels like she is a hostage in the world of bored children!
During our home schooling, my mentor teacher took away the traditional book reports and told Pilar to read for the love of it. Well, that girl went on to read 7 books from February to May! One book she especially loved was, The Tail of Emily Windsnap”. She loved the story of the unpopular girl who realized that she was a mermaid. She went on to read the series which included two more books. She wanted to share the book with her friends. She came up with the idea to have a book club. It was a great idea.  She would be able to see her friends during the summer and keep up with the reading at the same time. Other moms were so excited.  Keeping up with study skills are so important and our children lose so much during the summer.
DESIGNING A BOOK CLUB:
- THE DAY
We picked a day of the week that would work for everyone and sent out handmade invitations. I was lucky enough to have a set of mermaid stamps and always have card stock on hand.
- BOOKS
I bought the books on www.amazon.com (linked to the book) and got a great price! I also found an accompanying book with wonderful ideas for activities and fun quizzes…girls this age love to find out their hidden talents and skills that define their personalities through these quizzes.
- BAGS
Pilar and I were off to the dollar stores to find white book bags and journals. We found them at Michaels. While there, we also found fun ocean themed stickers. I always have a 40% discount coupon for Michael’s in my wallet.  We already had a big collection of gel pens, color pencils, crayons and markers.
- JOURNALS
The girls came and were thrilled with their new books and journals. I gave them a five minute writing assignment. It was a fun topic. I did this with my daughter every morning before home schooling began. The topic could be, “What would you do with a robot maid?” “Give a new excuse for the dog ate my homework!” “What would you do if you found a wallet with money?” I told the girls no one would read their journals except them and if they wanted to, they could share. They are keeping notes as they read, drawing pictures in their journals, and writing down anything they want to talk about at our next meeting.
- CRAFT
We have a craft and snack at each meeting. The first meeting they decorated their plain white cloth bags and journals. Other crafts include ocean themed fun, decorating frames with sea shells, making mermaid tails for their dolls with shimmery fabric, filling and decorating small treasure chests. I am asking moms for either a small craft fee. If I give them enough notice, they may even have stuff around the house we can use for our craft!
- FINAL ACTIVITY
Tie in an activity with the last meeting to celebrate the book. For example, our last meeting will be a day at the aquarium or the beach. We will also have an underwater themed slumber party.
The girls are reading at home as well as at our meetings and discussing topics. It is very interesting to hear them talk about their feelings on popularity and how they are nervous about fitting in. I believe it helps them realize this is something their friends are concerned about as well and everyone is a little insecure!
During their craft time, I busy myself in the kitchen and they can talk with each other. I asked the moms to stay away from the journals or asking too many questions so the girls feel a sense of independence. Interestingly, the girls are sharing with their moms and each other.
I have to say, so far I have learned so much. My daughter loves having her friends over. A few of the “popular girls” didn’t want anything to do with our book club. My daughter is not part of the popular group and I know it hurts, but I also know that is part of growing up. My job is to build her character and confidence, not making sure she fits in to the popular group. One of the popular girls heard how much fun we were having and asked me if she could join. The door is always open! It shows our girls that if we have fun dancing to the music we make, others will see how much fun we are having and may even join in!