Summer School

Sleeping late, sunbathing, movie watching.  These are terms that describe a typical summer at the Archinal house.  School is out - it's time to play!  We believe in maxing out the fun during summer. I crave this time with the kids and they crave time away from a structured school day.  But does this mean their brains have to turn to mush?  Does playing in the pool all summer long mean their little minds have to get watered down too?  I think not!

Summer is my favorite time, in part, because it's MY time to teach what I think is just as important as reading, writing and arithmetic.  It's Mommy Summer School.  Parents can use summer breaks to teach all sorts of important lessons to their kids.

1.  Spiritual -  Have your kids pick out a devotional book and make it a routine to do your devotionals together each morning before turning on the TV.  Pick out a few key scriptures that your kids can memorize - one per week.  You can even tie scripture memory to rewards.  For example, your child is begging you to take him to see the newest movie?  Have him earn the privilege by assigning one household chore and one memory verse.  Use the extra time of being able to stay up late to tell a Bible story and discuss it as a family.  Encourage kids to ask questions and seek applications.

2.  Financial - Have your kids do chores to earn allowance.  Teach them the three parts of income: tithing, saving, and spending.  Our oldest just started babysitting this summer, she's earned enough to open a savings account.  Banks have special accounts for kids which help them establish good financial habits.  Check it out!

3.  Responsibility - Before you play, you must obey!  Establish daily and weekly responsibilities they must finish before doing anything else.  This teaches kids to have integrity in their work and gives them a sense of pride.  They may bark about it at first but if parents are consistent, kids will soon see it as just something they do each day and not as punishment. 

4.  Self-confidence - When children learn new skills it gives them a strong sense of self.  Teach kids how to make their own breakfast and lunch.  Invite your children to help with grocery shopping, planning and preparing meals.  Let kids have one night a week where they help you make dinner.  Use trips to the store to teach them how to checkout and pay for their items.  It's important for them to learn life skills at a young age and kids love it!  Use hotel stays to teach your kids how to check-in and how to call downstairs for extra towels.  This teaches them how to speak to adults and how to take care of themselves.  It gives them a greater sense of self-respect when they can do things on their own while you are there to support and encourage.

5.  Health and wellness - Be sure they aren't spending too much time in front of the TV or technology.  This can sometimes be hard.  Motivate kids to get exercise through family outings.  Get in the pool, take a bike ride, or even go to the neighborhood Y.  Our YMCA allows children as young as 12 to be trained on exercise equipment.  My kids have done this this summer and they love going to the gym and working out with me.  I love it because it's more family time!

All of this is just the tip of the iceberg and I'm sure you've got many more ideas of your own.  The important thing is to take advantage of the summer hours to establish some great learning opportunities.  Who knew summer school could be so fun!