“If you see such signs, use that opportunity to open a discussion.” “A quivering lower lip or clinched fist may indicate a child’s true emotions,” said Crandall. A distressed child may communicate through body language. Listen to a child’s response and watch for more than words. We all want to be heard, even if we don’t get our way.” “Meet disapproval with understanding for your child’s perspective. “Parents may hear ‘my friends won’t be there’ or ‘I don’t like to meet new kids,’” said Crandall. Describe what, where and when, and for older children, you may also discuss the why of summer arrangements.”Ĭhildren, especially young children, may resist plans, even if they had previously been “kid-approved.” “Parents need to talk about upcoming plans with enthusiasm. “Children do not thrive on surprises,” said Crandall. Prepare children for changes ahead of time. A child’s excitement about a camp and the parent’s desire to provide an enriching opportunity do not always match.”Ĭrandall and Baldwin have suggestions for parents to help children deal with the realities of summer vacation in 2014. Parents should be prepared to work it out with children to have an alternate plan if the camp or activity is not a good fit. “Even though they thought they were prepared, expectations did not match the actual experience. “Sometimes children might help choose a camp or special activity, and then doubt that decision after the first day,” said Vernoice Baldwin, executive director of educational programs at the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center on campus. Rather than free time to play, they are dealing with the stress of new situations while parents are at work.” Today’s children are often enrolled in all-day summer programs or adjusting to new sitters. “For many children today, gone are summer days of free play in the neighborhood, secure days of wandering through shops without supervision and time to chill without direction. “Today’s ‘summer off’ may look different to young children than it did to their parents,” said Crandall, who teaches in the School of Human Environmental Science. Mardi Crandall, a child development instructor in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, says this could be surprising to parents. But even vacation can turn to stress for kids when they have to adjust to different routines. – Summer vacation has started for most children, and they are probably looking forward to a time of fewer rules, schedules and expectations. Children at play at the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center.įAYETTEVILLE, Ark.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |