Prevent summer learning loss with activities and books

Summer vacation means more than splashing in the pool, sleeping late and hanging out with friends. Unfortunately, it can also mean serious learning loss.

According to research:

All kids lose knowledge over the summer if they don't engage in learning-rich activities.
Kids score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer break than they do on the same tests at the beginning of break.
Most kids lose roughly two months' worth of math skills over the summer. (It's even worse for low-income kids.)

To prevent summer learning loss, keep your child's mind active during the long break. Visit the library. Go to the zoo or a museum together. See a performance at your community theater. And encourage him to keep reading!

Peer Pressure

Combat negative peer pressure by having a strong relationship

It's a myth that all kids will eventually give in to negative peer pressure. Some are actually never faced with it. Others who are, are able to withstand it.

What makes the difference? You. It's another myth that "parents can't do much," to keep a child from giving in to negative peer pressure.

Each moment your child feels your love, support and trust, is like a deposit in a bank. The larger the deposit, the more he is protected.

Remember that a loving relationship with your child fosters:

Independence. Because you have given your child age-appropriate choices and responsibilities, he is independent and not afraid to "go his own way." He feels no need to follow the crowd and turns down offers he knows are not in his best interest.
A strong self-concept. Your child thinks of himself as a worthy person. Why would he mess that up with risky behavior?
Good judgment. Your child chooses friends who also think enough of themselves not to hurt themselves. These friends don't ask your child, a person they value, to hurt himself, either.

Motivating Your Child

Motivate your child to remain focused the last weeks of school

The calendar says "May." Chances are, though, your child is already lapsing into "summer vacation mode." But the last few weeks of school are just as essential as the first few, so it's critical that she stay focused and take them seriously.

To keep her motivated to succeed through the end of the year:

Make school the priority. Talk to your child every night about what she's doing in class. Continue reading any handouts she brings home and keep on top of upcoming tests and quizzes. Show her that her education matters to you. It might just make it matter more to her.
Stick to routines. Have you slacked off on enforcing a regular study time and bedtime now that the weather is warmer and the nights longer? Stop! Routines are vital when it comes to keeping your preteen focused on school, so stay with them. Summer will be here soon enough.
Head outside. Who says your child can't enjoy the balmy weather and get her homework done at the same time? If it's a too-perfect-to-stay-inside evening, let her take her books out back and study there. Even better, grab the newspaper and join her!
Plan an activity. Celebrate the end of school by doing something special. It may be all the motivation your child needs to keep working hard these last weeks!

Reprinted with permission from the May 2010 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter.