Surviving 83 days of summer until kids go back to school

Ronda Lusk, Coordinator for Safe Kids Coalition, agrees having proper supervision can save your child’s life.

“Teach kids not to play in and around vehicles,” says Rusk. “A lot of times that may be where they play, in a driveway, and that can be a high traffic area. Teach kids to play in a safe area and what the dangers are there.”

Snyder says setting a regular schedule can help reduce stress over the long summer days.

Finally, he says summer is a “use it or lose it” time when kids need to be engaged in learning. Snyder says your kids can read just about anything, from teen fiction to comic books to help keep their skills sharp.

Teens can also develop life skills by helping with chores, volunteering or getting a summer job.

“You’re really moving them towards independence and adulthood,” says Snyder.  “You really want them to leave home with independence and a set of skills and this is the opportunity to do that.”

While the last day of school marks big changes for families with children, Snyder says summertime is an opportunity to actually have fun and deepen the bond with your kids.