Summer schools? Summer programs? Summer fun?
Posted by Joshua C. Doyle, M.Ed. on Wed, Jul 15, 2009
"What about my summer!?!?!?!?"
How often do we hear teenagers say that they need..., they must have... they deserve to have a fun summer, free from stress and responsibility. They argue that a job, summerschool, chores, and accountability during the summer constitute cruel and unusual punishment. They must have a "summer off." I am still waiting for a convincing argument as to what teenagers are taking the "summer off" from.
What is scary is that many parents actually fall for it!!!! They often succumb to their child convincing them that a "summer off" is imperative for their well being and if they don't have this one summer to themselves the consequences will be irreparable. How else are they going to get ready for the rigors of the fall?
As parents... we like to see our kids happy. However, what a teenager may define as happiness can often result in unhealthy choices, made without the maturity to realize the consequences of actions. Having a significant amount of unstructured time can lead to risky behaviors that can start an adolescent on a downward spiral very, very quickly.
I have seen a number of times where there has been a moderate to significant amount of regression in adolescents who are "taking the summer off." The expression "too much free time on your hands" is NOT a healthy thing, especially for an adolescent.
I have also seen many instances where teenagers have had structured, busy, and productive summers that provided them with a much needed boost of confidence, accomplishment, and pride. Adolescents who stay busy by going to summer schools, participating in outdoor summer programs, getting jobs, or even engaging in service initiatives are generally the ones who hit the ground running in the fall while others are often playing catch-up thanks to short-sighted choices.
Ask yourself as parents if you are really serving your child's best interest in allowing them to have their "summer fun." Why not consider providing your child with an amazing opportunity to learn the importance of hard work and integrity. Those are things that they will take with them wherever they go.
Don't regret putting your children's learning on hold so they can wander into the wrong crowd, experiment with or start using drugs and alcohol, or even make poor choices that can, in fact, be... irreparable...