Summer is Here! Relaxing and Gaining Self-Esteem

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Schwab Foundation for Learning

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As summer nears, my child is way behind in several areas in school. Should I use the summer to help her catch up by enrolling her in summer school?

Summer school programs typically provide skill maintenance in a relaxed environment. They usually do not enable a child to "catch up." If a child is behind in a specific area, tutoring is probably a better option.

My child currently has an after-school tutor. Should I increase the tutor's hours this summer, since he is making so much progress in his tutoring sessions?

Generally tutoring should not be increased in the summer. If a child is just beginning to make progress in a specific area, tutoring should be maintained but tutoring is usually the most effective if the student views the process as something which helps him in school. However, if a child has a summer reading assignment, tutoring can be a great way to ensure it gets done.

My child has had a stressful year coping with her learning difficulties at school. What are some tips to help her relax this summer?

Being out of school will be a relaxing change itself. Many times children are very tired and need an opportunity to do very little for a few weeks. Talk with your child about selecting an activity that she would really like to do. Consider visits with family members or friends where there is no pressure to "perform." Also, use the summer to look carefully at what factors are causing that stress and see if something can be changed for next year.

My child has attentional difficulties that make him a behavior problem. Should I still enroll him in camp? Should I let the counselors know about his problems?

There are camps for children with ADD (CH.A.D.D. has a list). Be sure to consider a camp you know well, so that the director and counselors will be sensitive to the needs of your child-such as medication. The children need a camp which is structured but not too controlling and rigid, with sensitive counselors who are able to avoid conflicts. Children with ADD are often young in their social maturity and may not be as ready for camp as their peers. A child should have several successful experiences before overnight camp is considered.

School is hard for my child and she often equates it with failure. What can I do this summer with her free time to make her feel successful?

Academic experiences which do not remind a child of school are often helpful in building self-esteem. The library summer reading program provides a certificate for reading at her level. Hands on learning experiences in museums, science camps, computer camps and field trips through parks and recreation areas provide enrichment without pressure.

Should I take my child off his medication for his attention deficit and hyperactivity during the summer while he is at home with me? What about for day care?

The question of whether to take a child off medication for ADD in the summer depends upon what your child is taking medication for--if it is for behavior, then he will probably need it because summer is even less structured than school; if he is taking it for learning, it may be a good time to take him off unless he is in a summer school program. Summer has often been the time to take a vacation from medication to see how the child manages without it. If he is going to be in a new situation, it may not be the time. It is best to consult with your doctor about these issues.

I want my child to pursue something she is good at this summer. But she doesn't seem interested in anything. Should I enroll her in a sports activity anyway, even though she is reluctant?

Sometimes a child seems disinterested in everything, but if you observe your child carefully--What does she do in her spare time? What does she talk about? Who does she like to be with?--you will find some clues. Try to give your child a choice but once the selection is made, try very hard to follow-through with the commitment.

I want to enroll my child in a fun summer class, such as art or drama, but I am not confident he will be good at these things. Should I take the risk?

A child does not always need to be good at something to enjoy it. Sometimes going with a friend is enough. Take a chance in an area where you think there is a good possibility that your child will have fun. You might also check with the instructor to make sure that his/her primary goal is that the children in the class have fun.

My child has difficulty making friends in new situations. If she goes to camp, what can I do to help her with peer relations?

Camp may not be the best selection for a child with peer difficulties. Be sure the camp is long enough to have her warm up and settle in. Have her go with a friend if possible. Talk with the counselors ahead of time. Pick a camp that has the types of activities your child can really get involved in--sports, science or computers perhaps.

We are thankful to Carolyn Compton, Ph.D., Ann O'Hara Gordon, MFCC, Karen Grites, M.S., and Shirley Tretten, M.A. of the Children's Health Council for their contributions to this article.