You may want nothing to do with bugs when they invade your home, but they can be lots of fun when you see them outdoors. Rick Crosslin, district scientist in residence for MSD Wayne Township, shows you how to go on a bug-finding adventure with your kids.

You can find more of Rick’s science experiments on Youtube.

More about Croslin: He has received numerous awards recognizing him as a classroom teacher. He was the host and executive director of the Emmy award winning show, Indiana Expeditions, a WFYI PBS science television program where he shares his expertise and motto: Science is for Everyone! He was also host and executive producer of The Great American Total Solar Eclipse 2017.

Many parents are fighting a problem in their homes right now, bored kids! Carly Dorogi, Ed. S. Founder of Capital M Moms has fun projects to keep them busy this summer!

#1 – BUILD IN FUN ROUTINES

I find that being intentional about the things we want to do with all our extra time in the summer means we are much more likely to actually do those things. Whether it’s creating a summer bucket list with your family or just plotting some fun activities on the calendar, planning for the fun makes it less stressful to actually get out there and do it. My family like to loosely use this outline to help us focus on fun and intention.

Make it Monday – Craft, project, etc.

Take a Trip Tuesday – Go somewhere new

Water Wednesday – Pool, beach, water sports, water balloons, water games

Thoughtful Thursday – Do something for someone else or contribute to community

Foodie Friday – Bake or cook together, kids choose dinner

#2 -TAKE CONTROL OF BUG BITE MISERY

The Bug Bite Thing (Under $10 plus free shipping, also, available on Amazon for $9.95)

Nothing can ruin summer fun more quickly than itchy, annoying bug bites. Smart moms can eliminate the itch with mom-invented “The Bug Bite Thing.”

#3 – BE PROACTIVE ABOUT BOREDOM

Nothing drives a parent crazier than hearing “I’m BORED!” Know that this will happen and be prepared with parent tools like a boredom buster jar. At the beginning of summer, brainstorm with your kids all the things they could do when bored. Write each on a popsicle stick and place into a jar. Now, when they are bored, they can pick a stick… and stop complaining!

For more information and printables, visit their website and Instagram.