CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAYS: I have some ideas – activities, spots, camps, parks, etc.*
Vol. 3, No. 7, Monday, June 4th 2012
TITLE: “CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAYS: I have some ideas – activities, spots, camps, parks, etc.*”
INTRODUCTION
Summer is around the corner and in a couple of weeks, classes will be over and it will be summer break. It brings back memories of when my daughters were in school. Today, I will talk about kids’ summer holiday. My book of the week is “The Family Manager’s Guide To Summer Survival: Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities, Games, and More!” [Paperback] by Kathy Peel (Author). (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on parenting: family, child rearing and education.)
PREVIEW (Monday, June 11th, 2012): I am also thinking about another rite of summer – Moving Day. In our province, July 1st is the start of the lease year for dwellings; as a result, the lead-up to that date is the time for moving. This year, I have been affected by three moves; I can tell you it’s big work. Come on over – I’ll give you a heads up first hand. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on home and garden.)
MY LIFE & TIMES*
Childhood: When I was a young girl, my summers were spent at home. My parents worked most of the time and on nice weekends, we did day outings with uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. It was fun and wonderful reconnecting with family.
Motherhood: Working in an educational institution, allowed me to take the summers off. I planned it so that I would be home for my daughters. I took them for swimming lessons, water parks, outings with friends, the zoo, family vacation, etc. I invited their friends often to spend the day. I looked forward to spending time with my children during the summer months. Summer months with my children were very precious for me. I worked full-time and with my busy schedule, quality time with my daughters was limited. During the summer months, my daughters and I spent time together. It was the time to bond. Some say that the summer school vacation period is too long. A shorter vacation period during the summer and more vacation during the school year would be ideal.
Grandparenthood: My daughter, being a school teacher, will also be able to be home for the summer. Her children – my grandchildren need this time with their mother.
THE AUTHOR: Kathy Peel
Kathy Peel is the president and founder of Family Manager, Inc. She lives in Dallas, Texas. She is an author, having written 18 books, which sold over two million copies. For more than 12 years, she has been contributing editor at Family Circle. She has numerous appearances to credit on such shows as: Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show.
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Several are:
- 2009 – The Busy Couple’s Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy (Paperback)
- 2008 – The Stomach VIrus and Other Forms of Family Bonding (Paperback) → Paperback
- 2008 – The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy Organized Home Fast Solutions to Hundreds of Everyday Dilemmas (Paperback)
- 2007 – Desperate Households How to Restore Order and Harmony to Your Life and Home (Paperback)
- 2006 – The Family Manager’s Guide to Summer Survival Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities Games and More (Paperback)
- 2004 – The Family Manager Saves the Day Rescue Your Family From Everyday Stress for a Peaceful Positive Home (Paperback)
- 2004 – The Family Manager Takes Charge (Paperback)
- 2003 – The Family Manager Takes Charge Getting on the Fast Track to a Happy Organized Home (Paperback)
- 2003 – Family for Life How to Have Happy Healthy Relationships with Your Adult Children (Paperback)
- 2002 – Die Hochglanzfrau (Paperback)
- 1998 – The Family Manager’s Everyday Survival Guide (Paperback)
- 1997 – Descubra Su Destino [Spanish Edition] (Paperback)
- 1997 – Family Manager’s Guide for Working Moms (Paperback)
- 1997 – Discover Your Destiny Finding the Courage to Follow Your Dreams (Paperback)
- 1996 – The Family Manager (Paperback)
- 1995 – Where Is Moses When We Need Him Teaching Your Kids the Ten Values That Matter Most (Hardcover) → Paperback
- 1995 – Where Is Moses When We Need Him Teaching Your Kids the Ten Values That Matter Most (Paperback) → Hardcover
- 1994 – The Little Book of Christmas Joys 432 Things to Do for Yourself and Others That Just Might Make This the Best Christmas Ever (Paperback) → Paperback
- 1994 – How to Simplify Your Life Tips to Save Time Money and Stress [Quick-Me-Ups] (Paperback)
- 1994 – How to Make Someone’s Day 365 Ways to Show You Care [Quick Me Ups] (Paperback)
- 1993 – Stomach VIrus (Audio Cassette)
- 1993 – The Stomach VIrus and Other Forms of Family Bonding (Paperback) → Paperback
- 1992 – Do Plastic Surgeons Take VIsa (Paperback) → Paperback, Audio Cassette
- 1992 – Do Plastic Surgeons Take VIsa and Other Confessions of a Desperate Woman (Audio Cassette) → Paperback
- 1992 – Parenting Questions Women Ask [Today’s Christian Woman Series] (Hardcover)
- 1991 – A Mother’s Manual for Holiday Survival (Paperback) → Paperback, Hardcover
- 1990 – A Mother’s Manual for Schoolday Survival (Paperback)
- 1990 – A Mother’s Manual for Summer Survival (Paperback)
THE BOOK: “The Family Manager’s Guide To Summer Survival: Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities, Games, and More!” [Paperback] by Kathy Peel (Author)
Summer is a challenge for parents. In her book, Kathy Peel demonstrates how to make the summer months memorable with activities, learning experiences, trips, etc. Furthermore, she’ll show you the 10-best ways to keep your kids from being bored. She has creative activities that teach children skills and values. I think the more ideas the better. Take a look – your kids will benefit!
CONCLUSION
Summer is a time for fun and games. More, summer is an opportunity for a parent to spend quality timer with their kids.
Personal Comments
I say:
- Summer holidays from school could be enriching and exciting for kids.
- For Moms and Dads everywhere, it’s important to make the most of the summer months with your children. Indeed, if done right. it ‘s the time for parents, especially working Moms to bond with their kids.
- Summer camps are great for children as long as it’s for a short period of time.
The Point
Give some thought to your kids, this coming summer. Make it special not only for them, but also for yourself. Sun & fun is not simply child’s play! It takes a parent’s careful consideration and direction.
ATOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
I ask: “What do you have planned for the summer?” I say that a parent may:
- Keep your children in touch with their school friends, if possible, invite them over for slumber parties;
- Make plans for play and projects in home for rain days: a) magazine collages; b)cookie/cake baking;
- Visit your city library; there is much to do and many opportunities to learn;
- Go to your nearby park and playground often – physical activity is very important for your child; but, keep close watch ALWAYS!
- Arrange events with other parents at the park: a) Carnival; b) Board game tournaments;
- Plan ahead – remember the early bird gets the worm;
- Consider a family vacation;
- Look for recreational programs or camps; with this in mind,
- Look into the local community center for activities
- Enroll your child for swimming lessons, sports, etc.
- Register your child for a two-week camp – I think two weeks are just right!
9. Plan day trips, fun outings, to this end, go to the: (a) Water park; (b) Zoo
10. Make it your aim to make this summer, memorable for your children and also yourself.
I’m really looking forward to the end of June. Soon, children will shout: ” Hooray, it’s summer holidays: no more homework – let’s play!” I wish that you and your children have lots and lots of fun!
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
P.S. Big News: There are big changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
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*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
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ANNEX I: NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY AN ANECDOTE OR A QUOTE:
S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE #1: Meandering
“One wintry day when Frank Lloyd Wright was nine years old, the future architect went for a walk with a reserved, no-nonsense uncle. As they reached the end of a snow-covered field, his uncle stopped him. “Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the fence to the cattle to the woods and back again,” he said. “And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that.”
Years later Wright remarked that this experience had had a profound influence on his philosophy of life. “I determined right then,” he explained with a twinkle in his eye, “not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had!” (Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=9272)
S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE #2: Alfred Hitchcock: Mischief
“Alfred Hitchcock was a mischievous child. One day when Alfred was “no more than six years of age,” his father sent him on an errand to deliver a sealed letter to the local police station. Having read it, the officer lead young Alfred to a cell and proceeded to lock him up.
Two hours later [some sources say five to ten minutes later], the boy was released. “This,” the officer explained, “is what happens to bad little boys!”\ (Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=9022)
S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE #3: Dean Kamen: Family Vacation
“By the age of 16, Dean Kamen (famed for his invention of the Segway Human Transporter) had made a small fortune selling his first invention – a control unit for light and sound shows – to such clients as New York’s Hayden Planetarium. “I used some of the money to send my parents on a two-week vacation,” he later recalled, “and I used the rest of it to buy myself some really great machine tools for the workshop I had set up in my parents’ basement.”
Unfortunately, some of the new equipment would not fit in a basement. Kamen, however, had a solution. He simply hired a contractor to dig a massive hole in the back yard, knock through the foundation wall, and expand the cellar. His parents soon returned from Hawaii – and found their home on stilts (erected to prevent it from falling into the aforementioned hole). Kamen later recalled their reaction: “They were not amused.” (Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=1262)
S & R* QUOTE #1: Tara Brach
“When we put down ideas of what life should be like, we are free to wholeheartedly say yes to our life as it is.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/)
S & R* QUOTE #2: Franklin P. Jones
“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index2.html)
S & R* QUOTE #3: Robert Frost
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index2.html)
ANNEX II
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
“For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “summer vacation”; “children”; “summer camp”
Summer vacation
“Summer vacation (also called summer holidays or summer break) is a vacation in the summertime between school years in which students and instructors are off school typically between 6 and 14 weeks, depending on the country and district.(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_vacation)
A child (plural form is children) is someone who is not an adult yet, or a person who has not reached puberty. A person younger than 15 years old is usually called a child.[source?]” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child)
Summer School
“Summer camp is a supervised program for children or teenagers conducted (usually) during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend summer camp are known as campers.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_camp)
SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS:
“Some countries only get six weeks or two months summer vacation because students supposedly forget large amounts of information learned in the past year (See: Summer learning loss).[1][2] Other education reformers believed that children were overstimulated in a system which required 48 weeks of schooling. They believe that over-schooling could lead to nervous disorders, depression, and insanity.[3] They believe that children need the 2–3 months off to relax and also to take a break from other childhood stresses associated with school such as peer pressure, cliques, bullying, and the pressure of heavy loads of schoolwork and homework.
Some critics of summer vacation point out that American students spend approximately 180 days (36 weeks) per year in school, but Asian students are “in school for 240 to 250 days”. However, in certain Asian countries, like Singapore, students in both primary and secondary education get a week of holidays in March, a month in June, another week in September and a month and a half in November to December, meaning that Singaporean students spend around 200 days a year in school, not 240 to 250. This is consistent with the conclusions of researchers[4] who suggest that advanced abilities are in proportion to the time spent learning. Summer holidays in Japan last from late July until early September.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_vacation)
“In most camps, the adult supervisors are called counselors, but another name may be “cabin leader”. In many camps, counselors are assigned to smaller groups of campers, called “bunks”, “huts”, “cabins”, or “units”, who participate in activities as a group. Counselors often share living accommodations with their bunk or other counselors. Most counselors are in their late teens or early twenties, as high school or college students on their summer break are frequently recruited.
At some camps, all campers stay overnight, and at some camps, so called day camps, the campers go home each night. Some other camps allow both day and overnight campers. In the USA, residential camps that have overnight facilities are sometimes called “sleepaway camps”. Summer camp is often the first time that children spend an extended period of time away from home.
The practice of running residential holidays for children away from their own home seems to have originated in Appenzell in the Alps in 1876, when Pastor Bion set up holiday camps in which children made tree-houses, sang songs, did drama, made kites and had adventure games.
Post-war France used Pastor Bion’s model to take children who had grown up during the war years, away from cities, and their scheme ‘colonies de vacances’ became state controlled, part of their state education system for all children.
The American camps seem to have developed from a very different cultural root.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_camp)
SCHEDULE III
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Summer schooling: The ABC’s of sun safety
“Canadians may love the sun, but do we really know how to protect ourselves from it? A recent Banana Boat sunscreen brand survey reveals that we might not have all the facts when it comes to sun safety.
To assist Canadians with sun care basics, dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll has joined forces with Banana Boat to develop the following ABCs of sun safety:
Apply all year round: The sun may not feel as warm during the spring, fall and winter months, but you can suffer both short and long term effects from the sun all year long. Regardless of the temperature outside or the time of day, be sure to apply sunscreen to all uncovered areas of your skin.
Broad spectrum is best: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays may both come from the sun, but they affect your skin in different ways. It’s important to look for a sunscreen with broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection and follow these four easy steps for proper application:
1. Apply early: Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
2. Apply enough: You should be using one ounce or 30mL of sunscreen roughly the size of a golf ball.
3. Apply everywhere: Don’t forget ears, lips, shoulders and nose. These areas are most susceptible to sun exposure.
4. Re-apply frequently: Be sure to re-apply one ounce of sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Cloudy day? Don’t put the sunscreen away. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds, mist and fog, so even if you can’t see the sun, it can still see you. Be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing on even the cloudiest of days to keep your skin safe.
For more information on proper sun protection, visit www.SunSafety101.ca.“ www.newscanada.com
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: A summer sun solution for kids with sensitive skin
“Specialists in the field of sun protection advise that the delicate skin of babies and young children can be more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. Unprotected exposure is a concern to all parents, especially when their little ones discover that the true adventures of summer are all outdoors.
The Canadian Cancer Society warns that the risk of skin cancer is greater than it was 20 years ago and continues to increase. Ultraviolet rays can break through clouds, fog and haze and among other cancer risk factors, blistering sunburns as a child, must be avoided for skin health later in life.
Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun, says Beth-Ann Ivany, Senior Brand Manager at Aveeno, a leading brand name in the field of nature-based skin care. Children need protection from UVA and UVB rays whenever they are outside.
Since that is likely to be any time, all the time, it is highly recommended that parents add a thorough application and reapplication of sunscreen every day to their children’s morning routine. Indeed, getting them to sit still for it each day might still be a challenge and many parents also struggle with concerns about the quality of the product they are putting on their child’s skin.
Using hypo-allergenic, naturally-derived mineral ingredients is a starting point but with sunscreen advancements today, the options are ever-increasing, Ivany explains. Aveeno is well known for the development of the Active Naturals technology for effective skincare. These formulations combine Active Naturals, such as skin-soothing moisturizing oat and other naturally-sourced ingredients, to produce formulas that can enhance the beauty and healthy look of skin. Knowing that sunscreen is a must, it is ideal to choose one with multiple benefits that moisturizes, soothes and nourishes too.
For kids, and for anyone with skin sensitivities, a hypo-allergenic mineral based sunscreen is a welcomed solution.
The Active Naturals in the new Sensitive Skin mineral sunscreen product line are derived from the moisture replenishing and soothing properties of oatmeal. Ivany explained. It is also ‘broad spectrum’ to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For exuberant kids, it’s waterproof maintaining its SPF protection after 80 minutes of water or sweaty activity. This means that children, teens and adults alike will get broad spectrum protection from the rays of the sun and they will also be able to moisturize and soften sensitive skin at the same time.
Dermatologists remind us however, that a reliable sunscreen is just the first step. Always combine it with activity in the shade, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothes, and keep hydrated.” www.newscanada.com
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved