Relaxation, Recreation...and Some Preparation

Summer is here!  Aaaah...lazy mornings...days at the pool...leisurely schedules...cookouts...long evenings in the neighborhood to play, visit, and catch fireflies.  Don't you wish there was a way to just slow the hands of time and make it last longer?  However, time hastens on, and before we know it, the lazy days of summer will come to an end and the excitement of a new school year will begin.

So...while it's still here, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!  Take time to relax with your child.  Sleep in.  Snuggle up with a good book and then take a nap.  Take leisurely walks or bike rides and enjoy the beauty of summer.  Lounge by the pool.  Taste the cool deliciousness of the fruits of the season, letting juicy peaches and watermelon drip down your chin.  Have a picnic.  Visit a local park.  Find a shady spot, throw down a blanket, and share in the sweetness of time.  Cook Out...and don't forget the s'mores!  Head to the local ice creamery and enjoy and evening treat.  Simple memories last a lifetime.

Be sure to get your kiddos out for some exercise!  Walks, bike rides, and park visits are excellent for parents and kids alike.  You might be surprised to realize how beneficial those bikes and playground equipment are for developing the large motor skills that are so important in your child's growth.  Pumping their feet on the swings, climbing up slides and on play structures, crossing the monkey bars, throwing a ball, playing frisbee all work to foster muscle development.  Many outdoor activities also promote problem solving skills as they work to maneuver around obstacles or challenges that come their way.

Recreation with other children is also vital.  Learning to play on a team, work in a group, cheer others on, and have fun...even if you're not winning...develop social skills that will last a lifetime!

And all along the way, sprinkle in some opportunities for preparing for the upcoming school year.

One of the greatest things that you can do is read, read, read!  Read a variety of books.  Visit your local library.  Read about places you might visit.  Read fiction and nonfiction...explaining the difference between make believe and real in terminology they understand.  Share your interests.  Find out your child's area of interest...baseball, dancing, art, gymnastics, music, animals, travels, etc...and select books in those categories.  Read board books, picture books, short chapter books.  Your interest in reading, and your modeling of great reading will carry over to your child.  This time of listening on your child's part is helpful in developing his/her ability to "attend" for a period of time once they are in the classroom.

Also, work toward independence in handling snack and lunch items...opening containers and packages.  Learning to eat within a time frame is also good preparation.

Using good manners with friends and adults will benefit your child for a lifetime.  Remind them to say, "Please" and "Thank you."  Learning to say "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you"...and mean it...enhance healthy relationships.  Saying, "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am" (or sir) teach respect for authority.

So relax, have fun, and incorporate a little learning along the way!