Summer
can continue to be a time of learning for young people, and it’s important that
parents keep that in mind.
As
a family, choose an important news event to follow for a day or two. Ask each
person to find as much information on the topic as possible — read newspapers,
listen to the radio, watch TV news, or check online. Then talk about what
everyone has learned.
You
can also make a family game of discussing a special issue. For example:
“Teenagers should be allowed to vote.” Or, “There should never be any
homework.”
Ask
your children to think of all the reasons they can to support their views. Then
ask them to think of reasons opposing their views.
Which
views are most convincing?
For
variety, you can assign family members to teams and have them prepare their
arguments, pro and con.
Exercise
also helps keep the mind sharp, and summertime is a great time for fitness. Ask
your children to do at least one kind of exercise every day. For example, they
could run or walk briskly for 10 minutes.
When
possible, they should walk, instead of riding in a car, for any distance less
than a mile.
Have
your children create their own week-long exercise plans. Try to think of a
modest reward for sticking to the plan. Then exercise right along with your
children, for everyone’s health.
