Parent Talk
Ever wish that being a parent came with a set of instructions? Discuss the challenges and rewards of raising children and teenagers in today's complex world with specialist Donna Kane, MA, from Jewish Community Services.SUNNY SUMMER Adding the third S: SAFETY
After an often overscheduled school year, both kids and parents look forward to these sunny summer days, which promise a laid back lifestyle with lots of free time. That can be good news, but summer also presents challenges. I consulted JCS Health Educator Susan Kurlander, who offered some tips on this topic.
“For teens, laziness seems like the rainbow they’ve been watching from afar. Their parents have told us that they fear that more free time means more opportunity to use marijuana or other drugs, engage in underage drinking and/or sexual activity.
What can parents do to make the most of summer, yet still keep their pre-adolescents and teens safe?
Have your kids check in. Tell them how important it is to contact you by phone or text message during the day.
Ask neighbors, friends and family to be part of the safety net when you can’t be there.
Enforce rules and consequences. Even though there may be less supervision during the summer, the kids need to know that they are just as accountable for their choices and actions
Set aside a time each week to spend with your kids and let them choose the activity, for example, going out to dinner, playing miniature golf, seeing a movie, or planning a day trip.
Connect your pre-teen or teen to meaningful experiences such as volunteering or community service projects.
If your child has not been able to find a summer job or is working part-time, explore opportunities for him/her to help out in your office or other locations or to undertake some useful projects around the house.
Here’s hoping that you and your children have a sunny summer that is safe as well as fun. Make the most of a time when all of you can catch your breath and enjoy each other’s company before school begins again in the fall.”
Donna Kane, MA, Jewish Community Services, Baltimore, Maryland
Jewish Community Services offers a wide range of supportive services and resources for you and your family. To learn more, call 410-466-9200, or visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org. Questions about parenting? Send an e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and check out the Parenting Tip of the Week at http://www.jcsbaltimore.org.
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