Setting a Summer Schedule: What to do with your Children

by Cherrelle Davis, Reach Therapist Intern

          Summer is finally here and your children are probably well into their second or third week out of school. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to occupy their busy little bodies as soon as possible. Will you send them to grandma and grandpa’s house, summer camp, or hire that nice young lady down the street to watch them? As you begin to contemplate your next move, I have a few ideas on how you might better manage your child’s summer excitement. 

          In honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, I recently gave a presentation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. With ADHD affecting nearly 5% of children, there are increasingly more and more parents needing guidance on how to parent their hyperactive or inattentive children. I lectured on what ADHD is, what it is not, and what parents in particular can do to help keep their kids organized. I realized while presenting that even children without ADHD need structure, especially during the summer. So while school is out and the weather is nice, here are a few things you can do to help keep your child on track for the beginning of the next school year. 

          The first thing you should do is set up a schedule. Lots of parents think summer is a time to relax and lay off the rules. While you do want your kids to enjoy, you do not want them to forget what it is like to be regimented. If you plan to let your child sleep late, don’t let them do it every day. Wake them up at a set time and have something for them to do. As relaxing as it is to lounge on the couch and watch cartoons, you want your kids to be active. Make a schedule and allot time for television. You’ll also want to allot time for activity. Get out and go to the park 2-3x a week. This will encourage them to expend energy so that they don’t stay up late. Just as you wake them up at a certain time, you should make them go to bed at a certain time. A healthy sleep pattern is essential. Lastly, keep your child’s brain stimulated. The local library or Barnes and Noble probably has a weekly interactive reading. If you want to be more involved, you can select your own topics to teach your child. If your child is older, perhaps a book club might be fun. Anything that allows you to spend time with your child is always recommended. 

           Hopefully these quick tips have been helpful. Next month is Purposeful Parenting Month and you should be well prepared. Be intentional with your summer plans!