The Parents Daily is your source for advice and information for rasing your kids.
Author: Laura Morris, Director of Education Article source: http://www.articledeshboard.com/. Used with author's permission.
The earth is waking up after its long winter rest. The apple trees are blossoming, sweetening the air. The days are growing longer and warmer. Each day is more beautiful than the next, daffodils are leading the way for tulips and the colorful show has only just begun. Soon the school year will come to an end, are you ready?
Oh yes, everyone is excited about the neighborhood pool opening and making plans for summer vacation with family and friends. However, I want you to think back to last summer; the pool and the trip to the beach kept your family entertained for two or three weeks then the cries of "I'm bored" were heard throughout your house. So what will you do this year to help keep your family happy and engaged this summer?
Parents please be mindful of the time your children spend with video games, television and even the computer. Children often plug in during the summer and the results of this can negatively impact your child.
• Physical health: Studies show that for the first time in history children are gaining weight during the summer months.
• Social skills: No matter how interactive they claim a video game to be it will never replace a pickup game of "kick the can" or "capture the flag".
• Creativity: Children need time when they are independent of others ideas in order for them to make their own. Curiosity, creativity and imagination must have time to develop. When a child is always being directed by an adult or instructions on a video game they don't have the opportunity to create for themselves.
Mixing in day trips, special activities and projects are a way to cut back on television time and the summer doldrums. Now is the time that many of you are looking into summer camp for your children. This is a great opportunity for your child to expand his interests or deepen his understanding of something he is already passionate about. Summer programs and camps are excellent ways to promote social interaction, physical activity and mental stimulation. Parents and children alike will benefit from these activities. Plan now and keep your summer full and fun!
Laura Morris is the Director of Education at Hopewell Montessori School in Acworth, Georgia. She has taught in an AMI Montessori school for sixteen years and has spoken nationally and internationally on early childhood education.
www.HopewellMontessori.com
|
Print this page