Did you know there are simple ways adults can help students succeed, even during the summer? Investing in our children during the summer months will make a great impact on their success in school and beyond. Keeping a healthy learning routine during this time decreases the amount of relearning that must happen in the fall. This helps our students maintain what they have learned during the school year and gives them a head start when classes begin again.

Care

Caring adults are appreciated! As parents or caretakers, we can help students have a productive summer just by being a part of their lives as much as possible. Spending time with a child talking, walking, or working on a project together is very important. To a child, time means love. Finding the attention they need and desire at home helps prevent them from looking for attention in the wrong ways or from the wrong people. If a parent must be away from a student during the day or night, it is very important they monitor the child by phone calls or by having a trusted adult check on them. This support system is very important for students to feel safe and even to avoid delinquency problems. All adults can keep an eye out for the safety of children in our community. They can show they care by looking a young person in the eye and acknowledging them with a smile or hello. Sometimes, young people may look and act much differently than we adults do. As adults, we must look past their dress or actions and know there is a valuable person inside.

Encourage physical health

Ensure your student maintains a healthy routine during the summer months by eating well, being active, and getting out of doors when possible. Parents can look for organized summer children and youth activities through Community Ed, the city, the Family Y, or other organizations. Parents can check food supplies at home to make sure kids have plenty of fruit and vegetable options for the many snacks they will need during the day. Sleep is always important for students, even during the summer. Even though daily routines may change, keeping a regular bedtime will help your student remain healthy.

Encourage mental growth

Students can keep their minds exercised by reading during the summer. Parents and students can check into the library’s summer program, and check out books and educational computer games and videos. Encouraging students to practice skills such as instrument playing and sports is important to their progress during the summer. Assigning household duties helps children mature and learn responsibility.

Set limits

As parents, we must set limits for children of any age. We must sometimes say, “No.” This is perhaps one of the hardest parts about being a parent. Parents want to give their children everything they can, but they must let them know their limits. Boundaries are necessary for a young person to feel safe and secure.

Set curfews and have clear expectations for your child. Putting limits on the amount of use of television, Internet, video games, and even cell phones is a good idea. Remember that computers, MP3 players, televisions, cell phones, and vehicles are all privileges, even if the child owns the item. Be especially careful in monitoring Internet use by having computers in open spaces and by having parental controls set. There is a tremendous amount of content available on the Internet, both good and bad.

With the help of caring adults, students can experience successful summers. Instilling healthy routines, discipline, and respect in our children are all important parts of helping them become outstanding individuals. Our children deserve this support in the summer because they are all special young people!

Jill Marin is a member of the Albert Lea school board.