Kids N' Summer
While it’s sunny out, it is still cold. However, now is the time to plan for the summer. Camps get filled up. Vacation rentals get booked. My daughter is already turning in applications for summer programs and internships (she is 17).
Here’s what I already have planned:
· Week in Martha’s Vineyard (and since the pooch isn’t coming, the dog sitter too)
· A July weekend away with my BF
· June dates for the Jersey shore
What I haven’t planned:
· Camping in MA (near my nom’s house)
· Ferry tickets to MV with car
· College visits
The first thing to consider with picking a sleep away camp, besides if your child is ready (mine wasn’t) is to define your expectations. “Before choosing a sleepaway camp it’s important to define your expectations. Figure out what you want your child to achieve from the camping experience. Do you want them to meet and mingle with other children with whom they have similar interests? If you do, choose a camp that offers their favorite subjects. Do you want to keep them occupied and active when school is out with a combination of outdoor and indoor activities? In this case, an academic camp would come in handy to keep them intellectually active.” — Les Elfes International This holds true for day camps too for younger kids.
For teens it may be a struggle to get them to want to do anything, rather than hang and watch a screen all day. Social interaction is crucial at any age. According to research, this helps kids read emotional cues (facial expressions and body movements) better. “The researchers concluded that face-to-face time is essential for children’s social skills. Unplugging for short periods of time can help children better understand nonverbal cues.” — Amy Morin, Very Well Family
The simple point is that routines are good for kids of any age and keeping them up in the summer with an activity like camp, internship, etc. is important to social/emotional development. Heck, I wish there was summer camp for adults to help us make new friends more easily, wine included.
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