|
|
|
Holiday Kids Break
December 19, 2007
|
Keeping up with two teenage boys is challenging during a normal week for Cape Coral
resident Ann McCarty. “It’s busy with work, guitar lessons, lacrosse and various
dentist appointments and stuff so we keep pretty active.” Like millions of other
moms, Ann does her best to keep her sons on a schedule when the holiday vacation
rolls around. She says, “They would prefer to play guitar hero and be on the internet
most of the time. I’m not usually a big planner but I just try to keep an eye on
them and what’s going on and suggest other activities.” Dr. Michael Spellman is
a psychologist
with Lee Memorial Health System. He says giving your kids a schedule
may be more important than you think. “In childhood the ability to use structure
and the ability to use the elbow room of things like Christmas vacation that’s still
something that’s in progress. So it’s important to work with your child to help
them tolerate those structures.” Dr. Spellman says it’s also important to let your
kids have a say in the planning process. “If the children are in double digit ages
make sure they’re a part of it. Make sure they have some input into it. It helps
them to plan it helps them to think.” As for the little ones, it’s important to
schedule time when they can interact with other kids. Dr. Spellman says that’s particularly
important in Southwest Florida. “A lot of children in our county, because we’re
so spread out don’t have any peers in their immediate neighborhood. It can be an
unusual experience for little children to be on vacation. They’re used to their
entire social life very often simply being in the classroom.” Things like slumber
parties and play dates are a
great way to keep your little ones socializing when
school is out. Psychologists also suggest that parents spend a few minutes alone
when children or other relatives are causing them stress during the holidays. |
|
|
|
