Dallas County Living Well Magazine July/August 2016 | Page 47
Younger Children
• Younger children need structure, but they also need creative, spontaneous free time. Consider making a creative play area consisting of: painting, an indoor sand
tray, puzzles, chalkboard, etc.
• Chore chart with rewards for chores accomplished during the week. Simple rewards work great: coins for a
piggy bank or a dollar for a week’s work. Also, children love grab bags where they pick something from
the bag for the week.
• Volunteer work for younger children (ages 7 to 11)
may consist of helping a neighbor plant flowers, walking a neighbor’s dog, watering a neighbor’s plants,
or helping another sibling with their chores (this helps
build the idea of teamwork). Make a list of possible
options and allow them to choose an option. Volunteer
work fosters the unselfish idea of helping others and
giving. It helps them become more “others” focused
than “I” focused.
Older Children and Adolescents
• Spending time with friends, swimming, watching movies,
and being active on social media are the typical activities
that most adolescents enjoy. It would be a great idea for
you and your adolescent or young person to formulate
some ideas that are not the typical fun things to do. Maybe this summer could be the time to learn something new
like playing a musical instrument, cooking, building a
project together, painting, or drawing. Think beyond the
norm and be creative, providing them with some healthy
options to choose from.
• Chores with rewards or a part-time job are a great opportunity for an adolescent to learn responsibility and dependability. Maybe you could cancel the lawn service for
the summer and have your teenage son provide the service. It would be a great first job. Be sure to reward him.
• Volunteer work for older children and adolescents is so
important in developing a better understanding for the
needs of others around us. It encourages the healthy idea
of being unselfish and giving. A few community service
organizations for a young person to volunteer at are:
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Local SPCA Animal Shelter
Local YMCA to help with children’s camps and
activities
Local church camps as a children’s counselor
City food pantry for the homeless
Salvation Army
The above ideas are a place to begin. Remember balance
between play, family time, chores, work, and volunteering can turn a bored summer into “good times” memories.
Being creative in making your children’s summer a time
to remember without you doing all the work and getting
burned out is worth the effort of implementing new ideas
with balance.
is in private practice as a Licensed Professional
Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling
for children, adolescents, adults, and marriage
and family. She is also an author of two books and
a public speaker. Georgia may be reached at 469855-0256 or via email [email protected]. www.
counselingbygeorgia.com
DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2016
45