schools out!!
The end of the school year is the beginning of every working parent's nightmare.
Finding something fun, physical or just different to fill the school holidays can be a challenge. How you organize your summer depends on how old your kids are: under 12, pre-teen, or teenagers.
Children under 12 have to go to day care unless you take time off. It can be hard for them to wake up at 6:45 in the morning during the summer holidays so you can drop them off and get to work by 8 a.m.
- This may be a good time for them to visit grandparents/family or for grandparents/family to visit you
- Swap child care duties with parents in the same situation so that your kids and theirs can sleep in and do fun things outside day care
- Advertise at the local university for a student (studying psychology or child development perhaps) to help baby sit and entertain your children
- Swimming pools, libraries, sports centres, youth and arts centres offer a myriad of activities from gymnastics and ice skating to kite making and reading clubs
Pre-teens and young teens are old enough to stay home but not old enough to drive. They stay up till 4 a.m. and sleep till 2 p.m. They are constantly bored and are hard to please. Some tips to keep them happy and busy:
- Plan a room make-over: new paint, new posters maybe a new comforter or lamp. But, give them ownership - let them do the work - clear-out closets, rearrange furniture, paint etc.
- Swap movies and computer games with friends instead of spending a small fortune renting or buying them
- Have a friend sleep over once a week
- Give them a simple set of recipes and let them experiment
- Teach themselves a new skill - quilting, skateboarding, computer programming; the options are endless
Summer can be a risky time for teenagers who are old enough to stay at home and drive. With less adult supervision and time on their hands they may be tempted to experiment with alcohol, drugs, pornography and sex. Some tips to help parents cope:
- Set limits with clear consequences for breaking them. Praise and reward good behavior
- Make sure you know where your teen is and what they will be doing during unsupervised time
- Make sure you know who your teen is with. Get to know your teen's friends and their parents
- Engage your teen in summer activities: summer camp, educational programs, a sports league or a job
Above all spend time together as a family with children of all ages.
Call your EAP at 1-888-600-4EAP for more information, help and support. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide confidential assistance at no cost to you.
Post Vacation Blues