Curious Parents Parenting Resources

Make the most of summer

Summer represents a dramatic change in routine for families.  The largest block of time during the day that is normally taken up by school is now free time and it’s up to parents to help their kids use it constructively.  I’ve written in past years about the importance of lazy summer days with nothing to do in the development of a child’s curiosity and independence.  However, “lazy days” doesn’t mean hours in front of the television or Xbox.  You can find great things for your kids can do this summer if you give it some forethought and planning.

Consider a resident or day camp.  You can find camps for every interest from nature to rocket science and from academics to adventure.  Camps have become very responsive to the needs of different families and you can find camps with different daily schedules and sessions to accommodate parents’ work or vacation schedules.  Take some time with your child to browse together our camp directory at CuriousParents.com for ideas about local summer camps that may match their interests.

Investigate what your community has to offer.  Many libraries have summer programs that include reading and other activities for kids to participate in.  Your local recreation department will most likely have a variety of activities for the kids to participate in and can also recommend other local programs to you.  Many museums have summer programs for children that focus on learning and activities that correspond with their particular mission (art, history, science, etc.).  We’ve got lists and directories of summer classes for kids on our Web site as well.

For teenagers, help them investigate local companies that may have summer internships that match their interests: budding architects, doctors, surveyors and engineers can frequently find local companies that will provide exposure to areas of career interest.  The traditional summer jobs of babysitting, mothers’ helpers, mowing lawns and pet sitting also offer opportunities for your teen to make some money, develop discipline and keep busy.  Teens also like to learn skills and most communities have opportunities to learn something new like lifesaving, boatmanship, glass blowing and just about anything else your child can imagine.

Don’t forget family time and just plain fun.  Make sure you schedule outings for the whole family that create the memories of summer fun that your children will recall to their own kids.  This month’s Curious Parents magazine contains a Kids Fun Pass with discounts to local area attractions that specialize in making summer memories.  You can also browse destinations for summer fun on our Web site.

Finally, find some time for dinners, lunches and breakfasts al fresco on the patio, deck or porch.  There’s nothing like a change of venue to bring fresh conversation and a new dynamic to family meals during the summer.  A picnic at a local park or historic site or a late night snack while stargazing can have a similar effect. 

So, get out some paper and a pencil, sit down in front of your computer, talk to your kids and start making your list.  Oh, and have a great summer.

John Piccone is the publisher of Curious Parents.