Summer Goals and Fun!

While summer represents a time for fun, it can also unearth challenges. Sometimes, togetherness is not always blissful, boredom can lead to destructive behaviors and a break from learning can make school that much harder. Did you know that it takes kids approximately 2 months from the first day of school to get their brains back on track? Children with special needs can be affected even more. Fact is skills like reading and math can simply get lost over the summer so it’s important to keep brains active because re-learning is harder than prevention.

So how do we keep summer fun, attitudes in check and brains active?

1.Retain skills: By taking school goals and mixing in activities your child is interested in, you can make a plan to keep your kids active, curious and ready to learn.

2.Set-up for positive behavior: Maintaining a level of stability and structure with regular activities can often keep destructive behaviors at bay.

3 Do something that you never thought you’d do: Summer means adventure! Face fears by going on a zip line, learn something new at an art class, go fishing to explore fish types.

4.Minimize sibling conflict: Separate goals, individual activities or regular chores can reduce fighting and bickering and don’t forget one-on-one time with a parent.

5.Have lots of fun: Have something fun planned every day, whether its picking strawberries, making lemonade from scratch or visiting a science museum, water park, or beach.

Source: Wang, Karen.“5 Summer Goals for Kids with Special Needs.” Friendship Circle.org, July 2015,

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/summer-time-pools-sun-fun-relaxing-and-no-school/

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/how-to-plan-a-safe-and-fun-summer-wth-covid-19-guidelines/

https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/summer-travel-outdoor-fun-apps/

Helpful Articles

• Think Camp Yes, You Can Send Your Child to Camp
• Sneaky Ways to Keep Your Child Learning This Summer
• How to Sneak in Physical Therapy on Vacation
• Is Esy (Extended School Year) for My Child?
• How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer (Part 2)
• Summer Preparation: 8 Steps
• Searching for the Right Summer Camp!
• Seven Questions Parents Should Ask When Choosing a Camp
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• Relationship Rescue: Sleep Away Camp: Is your child ready?
• Summer Camps
• 5 Special Camps
• Cooking with Kids: Campfire Banana Boats at Home
• Top 10 Fun and Accessible Activities to Do This Summer
• Summer Travel & Outdoor Fun with Apps

This post originally appeared on our May/June 2022 Magazine