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1) Get a gauge on past experiences. Ask your child to
write a “what I did over summer vacation” essay that gets to
the heart of what they enjoyed and didn’t 2) Create an “inventory list” of what you’d like to do by the end of the summer; check it at least monthly to optimize summer months 3) Try not to overbook the summer; remember kids need downtime to hang out with friends, swim at the local pool, recuperate from camp etc. 4) Ideally, take one day off per month for a mid-week day trip with family or spouse 5) When packing for your child’s camp, make a list of items to make sure everything comes back and for next year’s packing preparation 6) Make plans for your children who are too young to go to camp so they don’t feel left out 7) When choosing a camp or other program for your child, prepare a list of questions ahead of time so there are no (or fewer!) surprises 8) Take advantage of programs that address issues common to today’s kids and teens: children of divorce; kids with food allergies or weight issues; etc. 9) Don’t forget to plan some together time with your spouse while the children are away 10) Additionally, plan for the “re-entry” phase -- your kids will return home perhaps sad at leaving; nervous at picking back up their old life -- take it easy with them as they settle back in ©2006 Everything SummerSM. All rights reserved. |
