Kids and Summer

Summer’s all about long and lazy days. It’s a time when both kids and parents de-structure and de-stress. Routines become a thing of the past, bedtimes roll by with no one giving it a second thought. Kids revel in lying about the house, sleeping in, exploring their interests, staring at the ceiling, reading, playing, spending time with grandparents and cousins, and in general floating around. Although days have to be free for kids to explore their ecosystem, young kids need structure in day to day living to actually improve their brains. 

summer joy by Dmitry Kichenko

Babies and toddlers need routines. In facts kids do need routines, but not the ones where every minute is scheduled. Free unstructured time helps kids fill it with activities and games that they like. They learn to entertain themselves, which leads to independence. Kids who grow up this way rarely complain of boredom and don’t need to be entertained. They are self-sufficient and even grow up to be people who are comfortable with their own selves. Most importantly, they explore a variety of interests making them well rounded individuals. This also helps them decide what they wish to do as they grow up.

All this does not mean they don't need friends. In the long months of summer, kids also need to play with others, learn to lose gracefully, internalize their social skills and get along in general. So summer is all about learning to play, be it with friends or otherwise.