As adults we all look forward to those ‘lazy days of summer’, but with the kids out of school it can be stressful, instead of relaxing. Questions like, how many activities should be planned for kids, how much T.V./computer is too much, where do we go on vacation and can I even go to the grocery store alone are common? The answer to these common questions is as simple as remembering that it is not the place, amount of time or planning of activities that makes for healthy family summer time.
In other words, it is not the place but “YOUR FACE” in your child’s life that makes for a memorable summer for everyone in your family. So however you want to spend your summer here are guidelines for success:
1-Young children only need their parent participating in play for a quality summer.
2-Elementary school children need interactive activities with peers and parents.
3-Junior High kids need peers involved in all summer activities and begin to need less parent involvement, but also need, even if they say they don’t, to share with their parent what they did with their friends.
4-High school kids need to begin ‘work’ while having fun in the summer, even if that ‘work’ is not paid. A job, volunteering or paid gives kids a sense of belonging and the experience to learn what they might become one day.
Parents look to what your kids enjoy and do it with them. If your child loves music, but either it’s ‘silly’ music if they are young or ‘inappropriate or not your type’ if they are older, it’s still music and an undeniable connection with your kids. Take time each day to ‘share’ your music with your kids, listen to their music, listen to your music and make your conversations surrounding why you like yours and they like theirs.
Our sense of smell makes more memories than any other sense. So take your junior high/high schoolgirls to the mall and try out perfume samples. This activity is free and will help your child remember the day with you.
Guys, go fishing, play in the dirt, sweat-doing sports, all these activities will have lasting summer memories. Of course, both boys and girls can enjoy any of these activities as long as their parent participates or takes interest in what they are doing.
Participating with your kids equals a relaxing summer. If they are watching T.V. or playing computer games make sure it’s not about regulating how long they play, but how you, as their parent, talk to them about their activity and interact with them during their activity.
Sit back, relax and enjoy your opportunity to build summer memories, Dr. Ann