Don't overschedule your kids in the summer

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DEAR DR. FOURNIER: Summer is fast approaching, and now is the time to enroll students in summer camps and enrichment programs. Last year, I wanted to give my children an enjoyable summer, so I signed them up for a smorgasbord of camps and other activities. Halfway through the summer, my children were burned out. I am considering cutting back this year, but I don't want to leave anything out. Sports camps give them exercise, while musical lessons expose them to the arts. I would also like for them to be in a reading group at the library, and our church has summer activities designed for kids. With so many great options, how do I know which programs are best for my kids?ASSESSMENT: I think your answer can be found in the axiom "quality is better than quantity." The issue at hand is really a matter of time: How will our children spend their time during the summer?Although our adult lives are often consumed by to-do lists, this is an unfortunate necessity and not a situation we choose. We certainly would not want to force this lifestyle on our children. Kids need time to explore the world around them, learning about life in their homes, back yards and parks.WHAT TO DO: Before signing your child up for extracurricular activities, be sure to make time for academic improvements. If your child was struggling in a given area at the end of the school year, summer is the perfect time to teach and strengthen skills. This is also a good time to work on standardized testing skills for high-school placement or college admissions. Familiarizing your child with the concepts on these tests in a calm environment can relieve some of the pressure during the school year.Once any deficiencies have been addressed, I would choose a couple activities or camps that allow your children to explore areas of individual interests. Talk with your child and find out what areas pique the imagination. Choose activities that will explore these interests, but don't overload your child with too many "appointments."In addition to these scheduled activities, children also need time to explore these interests on their own. If you choose to send your son to a music program, allow additional time for practice or rehearsal. If you send your daughter to basketball camp, be sure she has time to play pickup games with friends.Most importantly, don't feel obligated to fill every moment of a child's time in the summer. Children need time just to play outside. I suggest you choose one or two activities that will interest your child and leave the rest of the schedule free. This way, your child can actually enjoy special activities without missing out on the best part of summer -- just being a kid.(Write Dr. Yvonne Fournier, Fournier Learning Strategies Inc., 5900 Poplar, Memphis, Tenn. 38119. E-mail her at drfournier(at)hfhw.net)