Mission: Avoid Meltdown (Literally, it's so hot) 🥵

Yup- the 110 degree temperatures in our neck of the woods confirm…summer is officially here.🥵 How's is going so far? Are we thriving? Barely surviving?

Over here, we tried out the baby-in-the-bathtub trick for our morning routine. All went well until “we” discovered the handles (yea, our mistake).

Ok, on to the juicy bits. Our newest tips!

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🛝 Kidventure: Secret Agent Water Balloons

Ready for a splash? Let’s upgrade the classic water balloon game to something even more thrilling: Secret Agent Missions 🕵️

👉 For less than $10/game, you can set up a spy-themed water balloon challenge in your backyard by handwriting a "mission" on a slip of paper or plastic and inserting them into a handful of ballons. Whether it's "Sing a song for 60 seconds," "Do a silly dance" or "Gather 7 yellow items," kids only discover their mission when the balloon pops!

• Why we love it: Instead of just filling and throwing, kids spend time strategizing and completing fun missions. This turns 15 minutes of play into an hour of engaged, creative outdoor fun.

• Juicy Tip: While you can hand fill your "mission" balloons, use one of these awesome "quick fill" kits to fill buckets of balloons in minutes!

💡Smart Shift: Hire a Summer Sidekick

No nanny? (Or maybe you DO have a nanny but need more support?) How about a teen sidekick for your kids? Hiring a local teenager for a few afternoons each week can be a game-changer. They’re energetic, they’re fun, and they remember how cool it is to build the world’s best fort.

👉 Find the right teen by asking for recommendations in your community group (we like Nextdoor for something like this), or consider reaching out to local schools. Gain back 3 hours per week to tackle that ever-growing to-do list or just enjoy a well-deserved break!

🔥 Hot Take: Screen Time ->  Smart Time

We're firmly in the "screen time is a personal choice" camp, but lately we've been seeing recommendations to turn screen time into smart time- and we dig it!

👉 Switch the screens for audio books or kid-friendly podcasts. Not only does this reduce eye strain, but it also sparks imagination as they listen to stories or learn cool facts about the world.

• What to Try: Apps like Storynory or podcast series like "Wow in the World" offer fantastic content that can captivate kids of all ages. Here's a few more roundup recommendations from Parents.com and Mashable.

• Juicy Tip: Create a cozy listening nook for your kids. A few pillows, their favorite blanket, and they’re all set for an audio adventure.

If you're in one of those "record breaking heat" locations- keep it cool, friends!

Stay juicy, amigos!

The JB Crew

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