School Vacation Isn't Always Easy
Ten Ways to Keep Your Child In Sync During Summer Vacation

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.................But for kids who have special needs, especially ADD/ADHD or anxiety issues, vacation time can spread havoc throughout the family and be totally overwhelming for everyone! There are many ways to keep your child engaged in the learning process during summer that are fun, motivating and, most importantly, keep them on a schedule.

1) Establish a routine right away. Getting up in the morning and going to bed at the same time every night will help your child self- regulate. Try to serve meals on a set schedule. Even if you eat later, feed the kids!

2) Consider keeping them on their ADD/ADHD medication. Many parents take their kids off of their medication when school is not in session. However, your child will be much easier to handle (and happier) if they take the very medication that helps them to focus, control their impulses and/or moods during the regular school week. Consult your doctor before discontinuing or increasing any medication.

3) Buy some grade appropriate workbooks and use them. For children in the primary grades, consistency and repetition is important. Kids who have short-term memory issues need the support during the long school break so they don't return to school further behind than they may already be. There are many fun, interactive workbooks at major bookstores. Buy ones that are have characters with whom your child is familiar. Have them choose the books and don't present it to them as homework.
 
4) Take a trip to the library. Have your child check out some of his favorite books. If your child is an emerging reader, be sure he chooses age appropriate books that will not frustrate him. Books on tape or CD are an excellent way for the auditory learner to follow along and read  the story.
 
5) Plan to have some support well before vacation time. Contact your local high school and hire a mother's helper a few days a week so you have time to do your errands and have some me time without the kids. The commotion of a busy shopping mall or getting in and out of the car a lot is a sure-fire way to frustrate and exacerbate a child who has anxiety issues. This also frees up your time without the hassles of trying to appease a whiny, restless child.

6) If your child has a tutor during the school year, consider increasing the sessions and ask the tutor to do some creative, engaging tutoring. Many children need the support during school breaks and this is a great time to utilize your tutor. Have the tutor plan some fun projects, make a craft or cook some simple treats. Measuring, decorating, using cookie cutters can all be turned into an educational experience without your child even knowing it! This will help them to focus their energy on a project that is enjoyable and engaging.

7) Have your child keep a journal. This is an excellent way to practice writing skills and have fun at the same time. Don't worry about everything being correct. Just writing and thinking creatively is a good task and will keep your child focused for short periods of time. Give your child a disposable camera and ask her to take pictures during vacation time. Supply some glue sticks and tell her to write down what is happening in the picture. Help her design a small album or buy a plain album at the store and let her decorate it.

8) Establish some jobs for your child and reward them for completing them within a given time frame. Put excessive energy to good use. Assign some chores for your child that will not frustrate them. Children with good small motor skills can help match clean socks or organize the silverware drawer or pantry. Large motor skill activities like sweeping the kitchen floor, vacuuming or even folding the clean towels are excellent ways for you to have your child pitch in with housework and have some responsibility. Choose a reward that will be meaningful to your child, but don't forget to thank them and boost their self- esteem for a job well done.
 
9) Take regular walks or trips to the park or playground. Fresh air and exercise does wonders for the hyperactive child. It gives your child the opportunity to burn off his excess energy. Build a sandcastle at the beach, take a bike ride, or a hike in a local park. Making time daily for exercise replaces recess at school and will benefit everyone at bedtime!

10) Provide down-time or quiet time during the day. It is equally important for your child to have some time to relax and & do nothing. Quiet reading or a warm bath in the early evening is very relaxing for a child! Summer is a terrific time to have fun and be together as a family. Remember your special needs child probably needs the structure to stay on track and not drive you crazy!

Just because there is no school, does not mean a schedule cannot be established. You will feel much less stress and so will your child!



When To Hire a Tutor
Newsweek U.S. Edition
Article by Karen Springen | Feb 10 '03