Plan Now for a Summer to Remember by Karen L. Alaniz
With summer vacation just a few short months away, you daydream of sipping lemonade on the patio while watching your kids play joyfully in the summer sun. But then reality settles over you like a wet blanket. You recall last year when by lunchtime on the first day of summer break, you had already heard the dreaded, “I’m bored” several times. And within the first week, you were well on your way to the mental exhaustion that comes from trying to balance your child’s days without the welcomed break that school brings.
While many children thrive on the freedom of unplanned days, this simply isn’t the case for the challenging child. Children with behavioral challenges need structure, regardless of the time of year. Summer can be a frustrating time of year for parents of difficult children. You may wish you could just let your child be, let him enjoy the freedom that summer brings. But you know from past experience, that even your child’s free time must be planned. With just a few months before summer vacation begins, you still have time to plan for a fun and even relaxing summer. There’s no time like the present to gather your resources and begin preparing for a summer to remember.
Personal Resources; Family and friends can be immensely helpful in planning for and executing a summer vacation plan. Setting up regular play dates is one way of taking care of your child’s needs while taking care of your own too. While your friend watches your child at play, you can go for a drive in the country or just enjoy being at home reading a book. With school still in session, now is the time to think about how to continue the friendships your child developed during the school year by exchanging phone numbers with parents. Invite the child’s parent to coffee so you can talk about how to support each other during the sometimes trying months of summer. It may feel awkward at first, but rest assured that every mother (and father) wants and needs support. If you are lucky enough to have family members who understand your child, enlist their support. And don’t forget about younger members of the family, such as older cousins, when you ask for help.
Community Resources: The end of the school year is a hectic time for teachers, so make an appointment to talk with them now. Ask about activities your child could participate in during the summer. Though many schools are no longer providing summer school, teachers and therapists are often bombarded with information about summer activities that are available to their students. The most obvious resource is your child’s classroom teacher, but don’t forget about his speech therapist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist. The P.E. teacher and school librarian may also have ideas for you. Next, check with your city parks department- they often have lists of summer activities and camps. Your public library is another great resource for information. If your child is involved with any therapy or services outside of school, inquire with them as well. Colleges and universities often have a list of students who need credits for time spent working with children- the time may have to be used in a specific way, but it is worth checking into.
Resources Outside of Your Community: If you are considering sending your child to summer camp this year, the American Camp Association (ACA) is a fabulous resource. Collaborating with such organizations as the American Red Cross and the American Academy of Pediatrics, ACA’s website is a database for all types of camps from Boy Scouts and Camp Fire to specialty camps such as chef camp and performing arts camp. Also included on the site are camps supported by religious organizations. But the website is not just a place to find a specific camp. It is also full of advice on finding the right camp for your child and has tips on preparing your child and yourself for the camp experience. And if your child isn’t ready for spending the night away from you, the site also lists day camps. By simply typing in your state or zip code, you can find out about camps near you.
Taking Care of Your Best Resource – You!
Don’t forget to figure yourself into your summer plan. Scheduling regular date nights with your partner ensures that you won’t lose track of each other amid the activity involved with caring for your child. Treat yourself to a regular massage, pedicure, or facial. Speak with a counselor if you need to talk to someone outside of family and friends. Take care of your physical body by eating right and getting regular exercise. Plan to spend time with other adults through support groups, or by simply having lunch with a friend. Take care of your spiritual needs through formal gatherings or quiet meditation. Remember, you can best take care of your child and your family when you first take care of yourself.
By using the next month to gather information, you can begin to put together a summer plan that works for you and your child. With a little planning, you can make this a summer to remember…for all the right reasons!
