Commonwealth Parenting Center | Knowledge That Nurtures

Brush Up on Your Parenting Skills at a Special Summer Rate!

Commonwealth Parenting truly understands and appreciates the parenting efforts of parents, caregivers and educators of children. In our efforts to recognize you and to provide you with the support you need, we are offering a special discounted rate for classes and speaking engagements scheduled now through the month of July. Enroll in a class online or call us at 804-545-1272 to schedule a speaking engagement.

Making Plans for a Balanced Summer 

Now that school is drawing to a close, families are deeply involved in arranging summer schedules.  With school being closed for the summer so many parents are left with needing to make alternative arrangements for structured activities and recreation and/or safe and appropriate childcare.  Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind as you make plans.

Remember that all children function better and are happier with some degree of structure to their days. Although summer is naturally more relaxed, you should still think about when children should go to bed, when they should get up, when mealtimes should be and even what chores might be expected of them. Your older child can participate in the scheduling plan.

Try to maintain a balance between a moderate level of scheduled activity and a health dose of “free time.” After all, unstructured time is one of the joys of summer.  Keep in mind that children need a balance between active and quiet times.  And for your own peace, remember that not every activity requires jumping into the family car.  Explore simple art materials, play croquet, plant a garden, host a sprinkler party, or plan a backyard “camping” trip. The possibilities are endless.

Set some boundaries for use of computers, television, video games, etc.  Just because these activities are no longer an interference with school and homework doesn’t mean that children should spend all their time in front of screens. As adults, we can set a good example by monitoring our own media usage. You might bring out the board games to engage the whole family. Many can easily be adapted to both younger and older children.

Take advantage of the wonderful things on offer in your own neighborhood. The public libraries have summer programs that are fun and encourage children to keep up their reading skills.  The Richmond area is fortunate to have both the Childrens’ Museum of Richmond (with three locations) and the Science Museum.  Summer is also a great time to pack up a picnic and take a break from media devices and head to the pool  or the park.

If you are considering a true summer camp experience, take your cue from your child as to whether a day camp or overnight camp is best for them. If a child is reluctant or a bit afraid of leaving home, perhaps they are not yet ready for an overnight experience, however brief. Introduce the reluctant child to a day time camp or summer program to help them build confidence and enthusiasm for later camping opportunities.

Remember that summer is a great time to make family a priority.  Unlike our children, many of us don’t have a long summer vacation as adults. But with a little flexibility and creativity,  we can still focus on quality time spent together as a family to give our children the priceless gift of our attention, affection,  open communication and most of all: special memories of summer and unconditional love.