The kids are home for summer...don't panic!
Summer is a time for fun, vacations, and relaxing. Kids are also home much more and often times this can cause chaos! There are things that can be done to help stop the problems before they start. Here are some helpful tips to keep your summer fun and less stressful:
1. Make sure your kids know how long they have for each activity. Timers work well, even just the ones on the microwave. When you are getting ready to go somewhere (store, daycare, etc.) make sure to give your children a warning: "Johnny, in 10 minutes we are going to be leaving." "Suzy, in 5 minutes you need to get your shoes on to go to the store." This prepares them and eliminates some hassle.
2. If you have younger kids (around ages 3-8)PLANNING is the key word. Make sure you have activities to do during the day. This can be as simple as an art project. Make it one that they work on throughout the week! This is a good activity because it can be used when it rains as well.
3. HELPERS! Kids of all ages(well at least up to about age 13!) love to help out. While making dinner, working on the yard, or any "adult activity" you can incorporate your kids. Ask them to be a special helper. They can help you cook food, set the table, hold a trash bag... anything! Make it fun and most importantly, provide lots of praise and be enthusiastic about it!
4. Know when to take a break. Sometimes parents need a break. Schedule a play date or an activity during which you as parents can get away. We all have our limits and it is important to recognize when you have reached yours!
These are just some of the tips to help make your summer more enjoyable. Of course there are many more! I hope this helps to ease some of the summer stressors for both parents and children! Enjoy!
Dr. Elise Abromson
1. Make sure your kids know how long they have for each activity. Timers work well, even just the ones on the microwave. When you are getting ready to go somewhere (store, daycare, etc.) make sure to give your children a warning: "Johnny, in 10 minutes we are going to be leaving." "Suzy, in 5 minutes you need to get your shoes on to go to the store." This prepares them and eliminates some hassle.
2. If you have younger kids (around ages 3-8)PLANNING is the key word. Make sure you have activities to do during the day. This can be as simple as an art project. Make it one that they work on throughout the week! This is a good activity because it can be used when it rains as well.
3. HELPERS! Kids of all ages(well at least up to about age 13!) love to help out. While making dinner, working on the yard, or any "adult activity" you can incorporate your kids. Ask them to be a special helper. They can help you cook food, set the table, hold a trash bag... anything! Make it fun and most importantly, provide lots of praise and be enthusiastic about it!
4. Know when to take a break. Sometimes parents need a break. Schedule a play date or an activity during which you as parents can get away. We all have our limits and it is important to recognize when you have reached yours!
These are just some of the tips to help make your summer more enjoyable. Of course there are many more! I hope this helps to ease some of the summer stressors for both parents and children! Enjoy!
Dr. Elise Abromson
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home