This is a term that is loved by school aged kids and makes parents like me groan. I have two in school. Although they are old enough to care from themselves the constant guilt nags at me until school is back in session. Finding the perfect balance of work and family heightens during the summer months when my business is the busiest and the kids are home and FREE.

Other than their sport my kids have no commitments this summer. I would hate for them  to stay up late, sleep in until noon and lounge the rest day until a half-hour before I get home and look back and find that they did nothing this summer.

I have asked the kids to compile a “Bucket List” for the summer.  What activities do they want to do? What friends do they want to hang out with? What community service projects do they want to do? What movies do they want to see?  What books do they want to read?  My hope is that this will help them plan and prioritize their summer.

A few things on my bucket list include:

•    Bike ride downtown and have brunch
•    Go to Red Rocks for a movie or concert 
•    Hike someplace I have not been before
•    Roast marshmallows 
•    Watch a firework show
•    Soak up some rays

•    Read a good book, set in Italy

What is on your bucket list for Summer 2011?