Be sure to watch Dr. Kanner discuss this topic on Monday, April 20th @ 8:20am on San Diego 6 News In The Morning.
Background:
Planning ahead for a successful summer is important for the mental
health of the child and parent alike. Many parents wait until the very
last minute to schedule activities for their child creating problems
with scheduling and camps filling up quickly. Another common pitfall
is either allowing the child free reign about their summer activities
or, on the other hand, the parent micromanaging the activities of their
child’s summer. Parents need to both ask themselves what they believe
is in the best interest of their child over the summer as well as
consulting with their child to determine their understood needs as
well. Ideally, summertime should be a balance between scheduled
activities and play for the child. Time should be scheduled for
activities such as camps, academic remediation if necessary, and plenty
of time for rest and play with friends. Summer is also a time to try
new skills that often cannot be attempted during the school year
because of too many time constraints (i.e. taking up a musical
instrument). Finally, summer is also an important time for families to
spend time together on vacation or merely enjoying each other’s company.
Referencing
activities, the attentive parent should be the one to introduce the
concept of a balanced summer to their child and then discuss options
with them allowing the child some choice in the type of scheduled
activities they will participate within. (i.e. the type of camp they
may attend; a typ
e of sport to learn). Children and adolescents are
not capable of doing this alone. Once determined, it is important to
find programs which are organized, have a low staff to camper ratio,
have good reputations, and are importantly, fun.
Balancing fun
camps and activities with some academic or artistic activity helps
keeps the child’s mind in learning shape and often makes the transition
back to school in the Fall an easier transition. Research shows that a
scheduled and balanced summer also leads to higher self-esteem, greater
productivity, less anxiety and opposition, and more harmony around the
house. Parents following these recommendations are less anxious as
well.
Key Points:
1. Parents: Introduce the concept of a balanced summer
2. Plan out activities in advance and put on a schedule
3. Give some choice in picking the type of activities to do
4. Find programs with good reputations and low staff/camper ratios
5. Plan academic remediation if necessary
6. Don’t forget about family time
Dr. Keith Kanner
Host
Your Family Matters Show
San Diego 6 News In The Morning
San Diego Living Show
