Helping your kids enjoy their summmer break!

It is now officially summer, the favorite season of childhood. Parents often dread summer vacation. They fear their children will lose any knowledge gained during the past school year and wonder how they are going to entertain their children for months on end. And those are definitely valid concerns. But although academics may be sidelined for the season, summer presents unique opportunities to improve social skills and work on community outings. Summertime brings an abundance of kid-friendly community activities to choose from. And the best part: there are always so many kids at these events that any behaviors your child exhibits are likely to get lost in the commotion. Here are some ideas:

• Children’s museums - Interactive exhibits sneak in a bit of education while kids play and explore. And since these stations are designed to accommodate multiple children at once, they offer opportunities for your child to play alongside others and work on cooperation, sharing, and conversation skills. Many children’s museums have free family nights during the week and special summer activities, as well.
• Team sports - Whether it’s t-ball, soccer, or swim team, organized sports offer children a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. Team sports help develop goal setting, perseverance, and cooperation skills. They also teach lessons about sportsmanship and the consequences of not adhering to rules. Plus, they develop motor skills and self esteem in the process.
• Home improvement stores - Home Depot and Lowes often have children’s workshops where kids can come and build simple projects. The projects build fine motor skills and help children explore their creative side. And telling family and friends about their project improves communication skills.
• Public parks and pools - In addition to providing a great outlet for all that pent up energy and an opportunity to improve gross motor skills and coordination, public play areas are a great place for low key social interaction. If several kids are playing tag or chasing each other down the slide, it is really easy for a shy child to join in without having to engage in extended eye contact or conversation.
• Story time - Story time at the local library often mimics the scholastic environment children are exposed to in preschool and kindergarten, which helps maintain the academic skills. The songs can help develop linguistic capabilities and the interactive reading enhances attending skills.
• Movie theaters - Many movie theaters offer free or discounted kids showings early in the morning during the summer. Local museums and libraries sometimes have movie events, as well. Watching engaging movies can help children improve their attending skills. The theater environment can also provide an opportunity to work on waiting and patience.
• Scouts - Scouting groups are great at building self esteem and life skills through various activities. And they encourage the whole family to get involved, which is great for encouraging sibling bonding.

With community outings, always start small. Begin with familiar places for a short duration. Gradually introduce novel places and activities while lengthening the amount of time. And reward your child for behaving appropriately on community outings. With many of these activities, rewards are built in. But it may help to have other reinforcers available for when your child has an exceptional day and does something awesome. Have fun and enjoy the summer!