Mrs. Alyce Zeiner School Social Worker
It is Summer!!! Soon your child will be home for the Summer break. Whether your child is five or fifteen, he needs to keep busy during the summer months. Below are some sugestions for a stress free summer taken from education.com
1. Rest, relax, and recharge.
While it sounds tempting to take a break from the busy school-year schedule, you don't want to find yourself with a bored child or one that sits in front of the TV until school starts again. It is important that your child gets a chance to enjoy his time off from school, but he should also be kept occupied, stimulated, and able to take advantage of all that summer vacation has to offer.
2. Consider a camp.
If you are a working parent who needs your child to be engaged in something all day every day, a camp is a great way to take a break from the traditional childcare you use during the school year. Many camps have full day programs, provide transportation, and offer care before and after. It is not ture that the most expensive camp is the best one. As long as your child is safe and has fun, any camp is a good one. Many community agencies, childcare centers, and schools offer affordable camps. Some camps have scholarships you can apply for. Staff qualifications, safety and emergency procedures are some of the things to check out in any camp that you are considering for your child.
3. See what your community has to offer.
In addition to summer camps, your local community may offer a variety of activities for children, although these may require you to have a flexible schedule. For example, libraries have activities for toddlers through elementary aged children during the summer months. These can include story hours, summer reading programs, and group activities. Children's museums also have special events and activities during the summer. In addition there are sports camps, music camps, and other activities that your communtiy might offer.
4. Keep teens on their toes.
While your teen may no longer want to attend summer camp or participate in a structured activity, she still needs to keep busy. If she is old enough, she might be able to get a job. Some good jobs for teens include mowing lawns, babysitting, or pet sitting. However, be sure your teen understands the resposibilities she is taking on and that she has some practice or training. If all else fails, give your teen something constructive to do at home, like watching a younger sibling, painting, or cleaning out the gararge or basement and having a yard sale.
5. Pencil in some family fun.
Make sure that you take some time to enjoy each other's company without the pressures of the school year. Some ideas include taking a family vacation, to going to the beach or having a picnic in the park, to attending community events such as free concerts or fireworks.
6.Make time for rest and relaxation.
Although you do want your child to be active and engaged during the summer, it is easy to over schedule. Whether you are working or not, you need a break, too,from coordinating everyone's scheudles and activities. Take the first and last week of summer off for both yourself and your child, and relax, sleep in, and hang out at home.
6. Don't forget about school!
Make sure you find out if your child's school expects or recommends any academic preparation for the upcomming school year. Even in elementary grades, many schools have reading lists of books that students can read over the summer, and you should encourage your child to do this.
If problems or stressors do arise over the summer months, you can speak to a trained volunteer through Parents Anonymous who can provide support and refer you to resources in your community. The number for the Family Helpline is 1-800-The Kids (1-800-843-5437)If you would like more information on this topic or any other, I can be reached through 629-9500, ext. 215, or the email link below. In addition to the Family Helpline there are services and agencies to help with many problems should they arise. Additional email links are below to assist you with referrals for assistance or information. Children's Moblie Response and Stabilization System provides face to face crisis outreach within the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their number is 877-652-7624.
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