Also this month:
* Parents Should Use Summer
Jobs to Teach Money Management
* A&T Students Use
Animal Science En Route to Medical Careers
* A&T Landscape
Architecture Students Set Sights on Area Projects
* Columbus County Farmers Abuzz
with Bees
* Reddy Earns Research Award
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NC A&T School of Agriculture
Agricultural Communications
Mitch Arnold, news editor
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Greensboro, NC: On the first day of school, nearly
nine months ago, their world was turned upside down. Now, children find
themselves in yet another transition period: going from the regimented
school day to summer vacation.
"Though children need time off from school, don't be surprised if,
after a few days of excitement, your child begins to show signs of having
the 'blues,'" said Dr. Shirley Rouse, a 4-H and youth development
specialist in North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension
Program.
According to Rouse, a combination of uncertainty of changing routines,
friends, and activities may dampen a child's excitement and interest in
summer vacation, and, instead of being happy and active, the child may
seem sad, tired, or bored.
"Some children, like adults, can make transitions easily with no needed
adjustment period," said Rouse. "Other children need time to
make transitions and maybe some assistance in recapturing things that were
lost during the transition from school to summer vacation."
For parents who have children exhibiting behavioral changes at the beginning
of summer vacation, Rouse suggests attempting to identify the child's needs,
which are often elements provided in a school atmosphere, such as learning,
social interactions, routines and schedules, friends, and active play.
Then, reconstruct and encourage participation in those activities.
Because children are already in a learning mode, Rouse suggests that parents
stimulate learning by creating an environment in which their child's strong
points and successes are highlighted.
Specific suggestions offered by Rouse include:
- Encouraging your child's interests, such as reading, collecting, or
sports.
- Providing a meaningful educational enrichment environment through visits
to the library, museum, and arts center.
- Using repetition of facts, music, art, nature, tours, and field trips
to provide spontaneous learning.
Socialization is also a large part of the school experience for young
children, and Rouse recommends that parents provide socialization by welcoming
their child's friends into their home, encouraging friendships with children
who have compatible temperaments, and enrolling their child in summer programs.
County Extension 4-H offices are often good sources of information for
what special summer programs are available, indicates Rouse.
According to Rouse, school also often involves a higher level of physical
activity than is provided at home. To compensate for this, Rouse suggest
that parents introduce fitness to their children by being active themselves,
and by making fitness a family affair.
"As transitions take place, family becomes more important," says
Rouse, who indicates that the age and needs of your children should determine
how much assistance parents provide them. "Summer vacation may be
a good time to take inventory of your parent-child relationship."
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For more information, please contact Dr. Shirley Rouse, NC A&T Cooperative
Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.
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