Stefano’s Stories: 6 ways to enjoy summer

August 2019

My 17, 14 and 10-year-old kids are keeping my wife and I hopping this summer!

If you are like our family, by now, those of you with kids are praying for school to start, or looking for alternatives to keep your kids engaged, busy, active, and safe during the week.

For parents, hearing the words from our kids “dad I am bored,” “I don’t want to go to grandmas,” or /and “I refuse to go to another camp” over and over is starting to get agitating. And is telling the kids, “get off the electronics and get outside and play” repeatedly making you go insane?

Summer is fun for many kids and families. The warmth of the sun, fishing, camping, biking, vacations, swimming, and being more active are highlights for many.

But for many kids, it’s also filled with anxiety and stress as well. Summer break, with its lack of routine and structure, can increase feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity. Not being able to see friends they are accustomed too, or even worried about whose class they will be in next year. Hockey, soccer, and many other team sports are on hold over the summer, and lack of physical activity takes hold.

If this sounds like your family, here are some ideas I am trying with my kids:

1. Letting kids know what tomorrow and the week will look like. Trying to communicate more regularly. Like me, I hate surprises!
2. Turning off the wifi at home except for a few hours in the morning and night. There is enough research out there that says it is best to limit kids playing video games as prolonged exposure impacts their mental health negatively.
3. I’m creating a daily task list of fun chores, with some rewards! Not sure how long this carrot approach will last…stay tuned.
4. My wife and I are trying to get to work earlier or work through our lunch, so we can get home quicker and do some fun things like walking and biking with the kids to get in that exercise for everyone!
5. We are trying to coordinate with the families of our kids’ friends to go to affordable day camps, sports, science, cooking, and others, carpooling when we can. And when my wife and I take a day off or are working from home, let the friends of my kids know they are welcomed to come over.
6. It’s okay for the kids to chill out and find their happy space at home. They can play board games, read a book, listen to music or practice that instrument that’s sitting in the closet.

I will let you know how they work out, so please share your thoughts as well.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!

For the kids,
Stefano Grande