Summertime

Ah, summertime. For most kids it is one of the best times of the year. No school, no homework, with lots of swimming, TV, and video games. But for some, this drastic change in daily schedule can cause some big problems.

I know lots of kids, particularly teenagers, who like to stay up really late during the summer, sometimes all night, and then sleep most of the day. This can really throw off their internal clocks, making them cranky, sluggish, and even lazy. It is kind of similar to jet lag. It is especially problematic when the child suddenly needs to get up early for something important and they are not used to it. It might be a good idea for parents to regulate how late their kids are staying up and sleeping in, even during the summer.

Another thing to watch with kids is how much time they are spending in front of "screens." Between TV, video games, and their cellphones, some kids spend eight, ten, even twelve hours looking at screens every day during the summer. This can negatively affect their quality and quantity of sleep, can strain their eyes, and can limit quality time outdoors and face-to-face interactions with people. How much time is your child spending looking at screens? Are they refusing to go outside and exercise? Are they isolating themselves in their rooms, avoiding (real) social interaction? Too much time on electronics can lead to a dip in their real-world social skills, and possibly addiction to electronics/games.

Make sure your kids are getting good sleep, exercise, and quality interactions with others during these summer months. School will be back before we know it! Have a great rest of your summer!