Summer Success Ahead!

The trees are blooming, the sun is peaking out and temperatures are rising. You know what that means! Summer’s coming! While I can hear the gleeful screams of kids everywhere, I also hear the groaning coming from the adults. You know it’s true and it’s going to be okay! This summer doesn’t have to be excessively stressful and it doesn’t have to undo all of the hard work and learning that your kids have done during the school year. If you plan now, your can help your kids enjoy their summer and enhance their skills! So, let’s take a look at some strategies that will keep your kids on track.

• Maintain a routine. Everyone enjoys the lazy, sleep late “slug days”. Having a few days to transition to summer is ok and allows kids to recharge. The trick is to not allow them to become the habit of the summer. Maintaining a modified routine provides stability and kids are happier when they know what to expect. Sit down with your child and design a schedule.
• Explore summer camps. Summer educational camps abound and are a great way to enhance knowledge and skills. Explore camps with you child to see what peaks their interests. Summer camps also provide good opportunities to practice social skills and have some serious fun while learning. Check with your local YMCA, newspaper, church bulletins and on-line for local listings.
• Develop summer traditions. Family game nights, vacation planning, or other special events are great opportunities for your kids to become the Event Planner. Enlist their help in picking games, route planning, itinerary planning, saving money for events, purchasing tickets, etc. This process sharpens planning skills, time management skills, follow-through to task completion and it’s just fun for kids to be involved!
• Change it up! Try to vary activities so the ear-piercing “I’m bored” song doesn’t start playing at the crack of dawn! After an action packed day of swimming, maybe a visit to the library for story-telling is in order. Or, a day at home for a BBQ with the family might be just the ticket. Kids don’t need every single minute of their summer jam packed with too much activity. It’s overwhelming. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best course of action.
• Continue Reading. Reading should be a part of every child’s summer. Reading throughout the summer sharpens performance and comprehension and helps your child stay ahead of the game. Make it fun by starting your own family book club or offering a special reward for reading a specific number of books.
• Keep them social. Sitting alone with an IPad or Wii isn’t going to help kids maintain friendships or make new friends. Social skills can diminish without an opportunity to practice. Participate in play dates, plan park visits or other activities that keep kids in contact with other kids. It can be hard for kids to maintain friendships made throughout the school year. Keeping those relationships active can help your child transition back to school at the end of the summer.
• Design a special project. Perhaps your child enjoys art, music or building things. Think about a special project that will take time to complete. Check your local building supply stores for ideas.
• Volunteer. A great way to teach empathy and encourage giving back to the community is to volunteer. This activity not only develops compassion, it’s also beneficial for high school students planning on attending college.

With a little planning, summer doesn’t have to be stressful and can be a satisfying and enriching time for you and your kids. Follow some or all of the above strategies and your child can enhance skills and be better prepared for the upcoming school year.