Summer is coming...

This is probably the BEST news to kids and the WORST news to parents...

Summer is approaching, which means school gives kids a huge break in their normal schedule. It can be nice for them.... but not always so much for you. It can become incredibly difficult to entertain a child when the normal structure of their day is removed. Finding something for kids to become involved in over the summer can also get expensive, fast. Yet interaction with children your child's age is incredibly important for their development. This is particularly true once your child hits 3.5 years (https://www.ccrcca.org/parents/your-childs-growth-and-development). At this point, interaction with peers helps children develop at the same rate as other children their age. This can encourage and reinforce new behaviors, skills, and etiquette that are not taught in isolation.

Daycare and childcare options such as camps, Vacation Bible Schools and club sports are a great alternative to some of these gaps.

Each link here provides a great list of camps, affordable daycare and VBS offerings in Lynchburg, VA.

3. Daycare: http://lyncag.org/services/head-start/

4. VBS: http://lynchburgfamily.org/2016/06/08/top-vbs-programs-in-lynchburg/

5. Camps: http://www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/programs-and-activities/

When kids come home, they can still have a ton of energy to burn. While there are several easy ways to distract them, sometimes it's nice to have some things on hand to help them continue their learning, even while they're on break.

Even if you have a very young child, studies have shown that development is greatly impacted early on by interaction (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/10/01/605213122/5-simple-ways-to-encourage-brain-development-in-your-little-one).

Positive and constructive interaction is one of the most powerful agent's for change in your young child. The study suggests activities including reading, singing, counting and light-hearted energy (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/10/01/605213122/5-simple-ways-to-encourage-brain-development-in-your-little-one).

These activities can be as simple and cheap, or as complicated or extravagant as you wish.

Check out our Pinterest board for suggestions and activities.

Summer can feel chaotic, we hope this will give you the inspiration you were looking for to tackle the Summer with as much excitement as your kids!!