Photo Courtesy: Flickr - Andrichrose

So what if you’re stuck miles and miles from the nearest beach this summer? Create your own beach right in your backyard with your preschooler.

Fill up your wading pool (even a large tub will do). Fill with sea shells, plastic sea creatures, and fish. Put a few drops of non-toxic blue finger paint into the water to give it that sea blue tinge.

Outside the “sea,” lay out a few beach towels. Deck out your kids in beach wear, hats and sunglasses. Place a few deck chairs, and bring out the bottles of sun block lotion. Pack a picnic basket with sandwiches, and juice bottles, and make a seaside picnic of it.

It sends them a message about making the most of their situation, rather than whining about how different things could be.