Make Summer Activities Fun and Educational

Summer vacation is quickly coming up, and as all kids are looking forward to being out of school, sleeping in and watching television and vapid movies, moms and dads everywhere may be stressing about how to promote a healthy balance of relaxation and wise disposal of discretionary time so that the youngsters don't return to school in the Fall, saying that they did "nothing" all vacation long. Blended families have the extra stress of planning for summer visits with the "other" parent, coordinating parental schedules and making sure their brood have structure as well as fun.

Michele Farias, an educator and school counselor for over twenty-five years, addresses this interesting issue in her popular book, "25 Ways to Keep Your Child Safe, Healthy and Successful: Lessons from a School Counselor."

She states that she is often surprised at the multitude of students who claim that they did nothing worthwhile for the entire vacation from school. As we all know, summer is a time to kick back, unwind from the stress of a rigorous school schedule and indulge in enjoyable activities that may not be feasible the remainder of the year. In any case, Ms Farias asserts that it is beneficial for children to balance summer vacation time with productive activities because it prepares them for a more purposeful school year to look forward to.

Following are several useful pointers in a chapter devoted to summer activities:

Family Time

Summer vacation offers an ideal opportunity for investing in family time. This is particularly crucial for kids in blended family units that may not be able to maintain close relationships with cousins, grandparents and family friends because of moving back and forth between households, or because of geographic or logistical challenges. Families may be able to reconnect by traveling together on a road or a camping trip, spending time at the beach or the park, playing board games or enjoying a sport or a pastime.

Ms Farias labels these activities "memory builders," because when people remember important and significant childhood memories, they usually involve family activities. Family vacations provide an ideal opportunity to eat mealtime together, sleep in close quarters, share experiences and strengthen relationships. There are various ways to do this without unloading a lot of money, and Ms Farias urges readers to visit www.puttingfamilyfirst.org for intriguing and budget-friendly ideas for affordable family activities.

A relaxed summer schedule encourages a perfect opportunity to make time for family mealtimes which are many times difficult to accomplish during the over-scheduled school year. Mealtimes can be an acute challenge in blended families who have opposing schedules, transitioning kids and general lack of time. It is noted that family mealtimes improve communication, cooperation and closeness, and decrease the likelihood that children will indulge in drug and alcohol use. Resolve to have meals together when everyone is sitting face to face, involved with each other and not distracted by cell phones, Blackberries, television or video games.

No need to break out the fine dishes or having grandma's manners on display. Rather, simplify and have all members contribute in every way, from planning the menu, going shopping, preparing the food and setting and clearing the table. Even the smallest members of the family can feel useful, and all the members will feel more connected, more appreciated and a vital a worthwhile part of a strong family unit.

Participate in Activities

Summer vacation offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to try new skills and activities that children may not have a chance to venture into during every day with no television, computer, or I Pod in sight. She firmly asserts that reading proficiency contributes in large measure to success in school, and notes that kids who do not read well have trouble in all subject areas, even math.

She requests that parents help their children understand that reading is well-appreciated in the home, and in order to convey this important message to their children, Ms Farias puts forth the following: 1) read to younger kids every day; 2) talk over with teens what they are reading and prod them to discuss plot, characters and setting; 3) take excursions to the library and help select appropriate books for children; 4) join reading groups; and 5) never fail to give youngsters books as gifts.

source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/

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