MOMS TALK about Summer "Mental" Activities

Summer seems like a great time to get it all done. We want our kids to relax and have fun, but we’re also balancing the need for childcare, improving their expertise at certain activities or sports, and boosting their academics by including summer school, tutoring or special classes in the mix. Younger kids might take Kumon math tutoring or typing, while older kids may use the time to squeeze in Driver’s Ed or SAT prep courses.

Summer on the rock is famous for tennis lessons and swim teams. Clubs and Parks are filled with kids getting active. But there’s also a feeling that summer is “catch up” time, where parents can fit some extra help or enhancement into the schedule.

Those headed for Senior year often work on college test prep, college essays and Culminating Projects. If they can get those things out of the way, they can reduce some of the stress of Senior year. Younger kids who want some extra help can use the time for summer school, tutoring or special classes. If you look around, you’ll find there is much, much more out there. There are “academic” camps and programs offered at colleges all over the country and in everything you could think of. Local organizations like Community centers and Boys and Girls Clubs offer everything from classes in art to study skills.

Remember that summer is short. It’s a great time to get a jump on some much-needed instruction. The trick is balancing that with enough down time and fun so that kids feel like they had a summer “break.”