Schools Out…Now What?

So if you have children then chances out they are out of school for the summer…unless they have to attend all year school. So you have a house full of children. Depending on their age they are either pretty independent, semi independent, slightly dependent or severally dependent. The first two will kind of come and go as they please because you trust them enough to do the right thing and can trust the people they are with. This is probably the best age because most are responsible enough to take care of themselves, make their own breakfast/lunch and know when to come in for dinner. The latter two need more attention and that responsibility is yours.

However the age though there are a few precautions that you need to take responsibility for as a parent. First off, having an idea of where they are and what they are doing. Secondly is teaching them precautions such as sun block and hydration during the summer months. What is sad is that most parent and/or adults don’t apply this to themselves and often become heat casualties. Teach them proper hydration and make sure they are getting enough water and not so much sugar and caffeine loaded drink. Use sunblock and proper clothing when outside in the sun. Know when to say when and get them out of the sun and heat.

One thing that every parent should instill during the summer vacation is chores around the house and to teach their children a good work ethic. Work now/ Play later. Sure, they are children and they should have fun. But if you don’t start teaching them some kind of work ethic early in life they will be a lot like the most of the kids of today that have a lousy work ethic and expect everything to be handed to them in life. Teach them that the millionaires of today like Bill Gates, Donald Trump and other self made millionaires had to work hard to get where they are. Steer them clear of idolizing inherited millionaires like Paris Hilton and Nichol Ritchie who inherited their millions. Although they say they are working hard on fashion lines and things like that, the truth is that they have assistants and their assistants have assistants. Hard work pays off not only financially but mentally and morally.

Lastly, ensure they get plenty of exercise and are eating well. Eating well does not mean ensuring that they are always full, but eating the right foods, a well balanced diet. Get them off of the couch, away from the video games. Get them active, their blood flowing and and their brains active. If they must stay inside due to the weather, then encourage them to read a book or play some brain games…even the Nintendo Wii offers some physical interaction!

I’m not trying to sound like I’m the greatest parent in the world and the Lord knows that I need a lot of improving, but I know all of the above advice is good advice that should be taken to heart.