Summer Fun and Learning Activities
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by: Blended-families
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Michele Farias, a teacher and school counselor for over twenty-five years, tackles this very topic in her best-selling book, "25 Ways to Keep Your Child Safe, Healthy and Successful: Lessons from a School Counselor."
She states that she is constantly surprised at the multitude of children who claim that they did nothing worthwhile for the entire vacation from school. Naturally, summer is a time to relax, unwind from the stress of a rigorous school workload and indulge in enjoyable activities that may not be possible the rest of the year. In any case, Ms Farias maintains that it is beneficial for kids to balance summer vacation time with productive activities in order to prepare them for a successful school year to look forward to.
Following are several helpful hints in a chapter devoted to summer activities:
Family Time
Summer vacation presents a great time for investing in family time. This is particularly crucial for kids in blended families who may not be able to maintain close relationships with cousins, grandparents and family friends because of moving back and forth between separate homes, or because of geographic or logistical challenges. Families may be able to feel close again 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 calls these activities �memory builders,� because when people reminisce about important and significant childhood memories, they generally involve family activities. Family vacations supply a significant opportunity to enjoy mealtime together, sleep in close quarters, share experiences and strengthen relationships. There are many diverse ways to accomplish this without spending a ton of cash, and Ms Farias urges parents to go to www.puttingfamilyfirst.org for intriguing and budget-friendly ideas for affordable family fun.
A relaxed summer schedule encourages an ideal opportunity to make time for family dinners which can be impossible during the over-scheduled school year. The family dinner can be a particular challenge in blended families who have opposing schedules, transitioning kids and general lack of time. It has been noted that family dinners improve communication, cooperation and closeness, and decrease the probability that kids will participate in drug and alcohol use. Plan to have meals together when the entire family is sitting face to face, involved with each other and not pulled away by cell phones, Blackberries, TV or PCs.
No need to break out the best china or having strict manners on display. Rather, simplify and have everyone contribute in every way, from planning the menu, buying the ingredients, 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 break presents a golden opportunity for kids to try new skills and activities that children may not have time to investigate during a day with no TV, computer, or I Pod anywhere around. She strongly believes that reading skills contribute greatly to success in school, and notes that kids who are not good at reading struggle in all subject areas, even math.
She asks that parents send the message that reading is well-appreciated at home, and so that they may convey this important message to kids, Ms Farias suggests the following: 1) read to younger kids daily; 2) talk over with older kids what they are reading and prod them to comment on plot, characters and setting; 3) take excursions to the library and assist in finding appropriate books for younger kids; 4) sign up for reading groups; and 5) never fail to give children books as gifts.
Article Source: http://articles-collections.com
About the Author
Sheena Berg, a blended family coach with Blended-Families.com enjoys writing articles and book reviews for their free step-parenting newsletter. For more helpful information regarding Michelle Farias, and her book, visit http://www.blended-families.com/25ways. WEBMASTERS: Use of this article requires the links to be intact.
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