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Summer Suggestions; What to Do...
Topic Started: Jun 10 2009, 07:44 AM (745 Views)
Mrs.M
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http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/askthechildpsychologist/index.php
Posted by Dr. Daniel Klein on Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Summer presents many challenges, opportunities
For the past two weeks, not a day has gone by in my office when at least one child has not told me with great excitement how many school days are left. When the parents speak, the tone isn't filled with the same level of delight. Get ready parents! Summer vacation is upon us and along comes opportunities and challenges.

For many families, this summer might be different. Many children accustomed to attending camps and going on family vacations may be staying home due to the families' economic situations. Even if money is tight, we can still provide our children with a great summer that can promote happiness, positive growth and great family memories.

For starters, summer is a great time for kids to let loose and play in less structured environments than a typical school day. Children should be given plenty of opportunities and encouragement to choose and direct activities by themselves, with peers and adults. This helps children develop and strengthen social and problem-solving skills. Encourage the lemonade stands, creating art projects, using imaginations, playing make believe with friends, puppets, blocks and making music. Put significant limits on screen time activities such as television and video games.

For children who have a hard time deciding what to do or often claim to be bored, I suggest creating (along with the child) menus of activities from which children can choose. For example, menus can be indoor quiet, outdoor, with friends or siblings, without friends or siblings, with adults and alone. The menus can be a work in progress and for many kids they won't be needed for the whole summer.

Don't forget to encourage your children to read over the summer, too. Many schools require summer reading. Kids' reading skills can decline over the summer if they do not maintain some type of reading. For some children, forcing reading can be the source of power struggles. For most parents, I recommend making a plan about reading with the child the first week of vacation. You might choose books that relate to an activity you are doing or pick a series to read over the summer. You can pick times to go to the library, have 10-20 minutes of family reading time or even have a family and friends book club.

The camp counselor who never left me encourages parents to take their kids to the outdoors. I think we can easily get caught up in the need to entertain our children. I believe what will help children more is providing opportunities to grow.

Teaching a child to collect wood and help build a fire or to taking a child for a nature hike can promote positive self esteem. Star gazing on a clear night is awesome to experience especially through the eyes of a child. This can even be paired with a book about astronomy.

Another idea for a family project would be to keep a journal or scrapbook of the summer. Each week, a different family member would be responsible for filling it with a story, a picture or something that happened that week. This encourages creativity and makes a great keepsake.

As the summer winds down, be prepared for some children to act out. This maybe a form of separation anxiety, which is when a child may have conflicting emotions as they begin to separate from their parents and everyday friends. This is normal and can be addressed by helping the child identify and express their emotions. If the child is transitioning to a new school, some late August visits to his school and the playground can help ease some anxiety.

What types of experiences do you want to give your child this summer?
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Mrs.M
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There are assorted topics posted by Dr. Klein: siblings, economy, special needs, getting out of jury duty (with your children), Click on the comments and you'll see many additional ideas suggested by readers.
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Deleted User
Deleted User

I was just at the library and they are giving out "staycation" coupons. When you rent a current feature for $1 you get a coupon for a free one on your next visit. They're going to be doing it all summer.

They have children's, teen's, and adult reading programs.

CC has free Monday movies at 2:30
Noble has free Thursday movies at 2

They also have Terrific Tuesday Programs (their words, not mine)

June 16 is Light show all ages CC 2pm, Noble 11am, Sandburg 6:30pm
June 23 is Glue and Go Costumes all ages CC 11am, Noble 6:30pm, Sandburg 2pm
June 30 is The Music Lady all ages CC 11am, Noble 2pm, Sandburg 6:30pm
July 7 is Animal Magic 5 and up CC 2pm, Noble 11am, Sandburg 6:30pm
July 14 is LEGO Program 5 and up CC 6:30pm, Noble 2pm, Sandburg 11am
July 21 is Absolutely Baffling Magic all ages CC 11am, Noble 6:30 pm, Sandburg 2pm
July 28 is CirqueAmongUs all ages CC 2pm, Noble 6:30pm, Sandburg 11am
Aug 4 Clown Show at CC only 6:60 Balloon Sculpture/face painting 7pm Clown show
Aug 4 Arts & Scraps Workshop 5 and up Noble 2pm, Sandburg 11am

There are teen and adult progams on their web site
http://livonia.lib.mi.us/
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Ms. AK
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I agree. I was so impressed with the brochure from the Livonia Public Library Children's Department "Reading in the Summer 2009."

My kids are really excited about the summer program.

http://livonia.lib.mi.us/children/index.html
Krome on Cars

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Spanky
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Also check out Camp Mirage at Oasis on 5 Mile. (where they have putt-putt golf and the dome in the winter) I think they have themed day camp there all summer. They also have kids golf leagues at Idyll Wild.

Didn't they used to have REALLY cheap movies at the AMC 20 at like, 10 in the morning? Goodrich Canton on Ford Road usually does that, too. They weren't first run movies, but they were good movies and the kids get a pop and popcorn with the ticket.
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Momof4
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Last year Compuware arena set up drive ins around their parking lot. It was really cool.
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LPSisPoor
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Michigan Adventure Amusement/Water Park in Muskegon is doable in a day trip.

Toledo Zoo is always a fun day.


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Mrs.M
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Museum Adventure Passes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posting Date August 2, 2008 - October 24, 2009
You can now check out Museum Adventure Passes for free access to 25 area museums from any Livonia Library.
Visit any of the Livonia libraries to check out a pass for two or four free admissions, depending on location, to one of these exciting museums. Go to the Detroit Adventure Pass website for more details.
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Spanky
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Momof4
Jun 10 2009, 09:28 PM
Last year Compuware arena set up drive ins around their parking lot. It was really cool.
Yep, just drove past the other day and the outdoor screens are set up again! We did that a few years ago and our kids had a blast.
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LPSisPoor
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Steve King and the Dittlies will be playing at Kellogg Park in Plymouth on July 17th.
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Mrs.M
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http://northvilleparksandrec.com/SpecialEvents/FridayNightConcertSeries2009.htm
Summer Friday Night Concert Series 2009


Date: Fridays, May 29 - August 28, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Town Square
Fee: Free


August 14 - Redhill
Detroit Country
Sponsored by: Northville DDA & Monroe Bank & Trust

August 21 - Oak Pointe
Contemporary Musical Review
Sponsored by: Northville DDA & Monroe Bank & Trust

August 28 - Steve King and the Dittlies
Top 40 Hits
Sponsored by: Monroe Bank & Trust and Varsity Lincoln Mercury

For more information, contact Northville Parks & Recreation at 248-349-0203.



Tunes on Tuesdays

Don't' forget your water bottle, hat and sunscreen! Performances are held rain or shine! Rain locations will be held at Genitti's Hole-in-the-Wall Theatre (108 E. Main St., Northville). Performers are subject to change. For more information, contact Northville Parks & Recreation at 248-349-0203.

Date: Tuesdays, June 16 - August 18, 2009
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Location: Town Square
Fee: Free
Ages: 2 - 6 years old


August 11 - Zippity 2 Dad
Shawn and Tagg’s shows provide plenty of music, fun, comedy, improvisation, and audience participation, that the whole family will enjoy.
Sponsored by: Rangel Orthodontics

August 18 - Maureen Schiffman and Coco
Travel with Maureen through a musical jamboree, as she involves her audience in song, puppetry, movement, and storytelling.
Sponsored by: Abir Faraj D.D.S., P.C. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

http://www.downtownplymouth.org/

Friday Night Music in the Air
Concert Series in Downtown Plymouth
7:00 p.m. - 9:30pm in Kellogg Park

August 14th The Kris K Band
Kris Kurzawa and friends give their all for a
great evening of classic tunes.
www.myspace.com/thekriskband


August 21st The Randy Brock Group
Blues the way it was meant to be played!
www.therandybrockgroup.com


August 28th Mass Transit
Detroit’s favorite party band throws it down
with soul, funk and rock and roll.
www.masstransitband.com


Sept. 4th Lady Sunshine and the X Band
There is only one way to end the summer
season in Plymouth - and that’s with Lady
Sunshine and her band! www.ladysunshine.net



http://www.ci.farmington.mi.us/thyme/index.php?event_action=View&eid=133&instance=2009-8-13


Stars in the Park Concert

Date: Thursday 8/13/2009
6 Day(s)
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
http://www.fhgov.com/Services/SpecialServices/CulturalArts/SummerConcerts.asp

Notes: Heritage Park is the perfect setting for the “Stars in the Park” concerts. This series of eight to nine concerts each summer offer a wide spectrum of performances, from local groups such as the Community Band and Chorus to professional jazz, Celtic and big band sounds—even a Beatles tribute band! The concerts take place every Thursday night, with the exception of the week of July 4 and Founders Festival week, beginning at 7:30 PM.

All concerts take place in Heritage Park’s grassy amphitheatre, beginning at 7:30 PM. Bring a blanket or lawn chair; picnic dinner is welcome. In case of inclement weather, most concerts will be relocated to the Wm. Costick Activity Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile. Call 248-473-1856 for more information.





http://www.ci.livonia.mi.us/Government/Commissions/Arts/MusicUnderStars/tabid/986/Default.aspx

MUSIC FROM THE HEART
Music From the Heart Concerts are free outdoor concerts sponsored by the Livonia Arts Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department. Concerts are held on Thursdays during July and August from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at Civic Center Park located at Five Mile and Farmington Roads.


2009 Music From the Heart Concert Schedule
08/13 Stewart Franke Soul
08/20 Dezie McCullers Jazz
08/27 Livonia Symphony Classical


Please check the Livonia Arts Commission’s websites: ci.livonia.mi.us and www.artsinlivonia.com for the latest scheduling information and more details on the performers.

For more information, please call (734) 466-2536 – Community Resources
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Mrs.M
Veteran
http://www.thrivefest.com

Sounds like the Spree, Founder's Park is on 8 mile between Farmington and Newburgj, just east of Newburgh. Northside of 8 mile

Thrive Music Festival & Carnival
August 20 – 23 in Founders Sports Park


Are you taking a “staycation” this summer and sticking close to home? Well,
the City of Farmington Hills has a great staycation idea that’s family friendly,
convenient, and a bargain!

The Thrive Music Festival and Carnival offers music, food, and a variety of
activities for all ages. The event takes place in Founders Sports Park on
Thursday, August 20 from 5 – 11 p.m.; Friday, August 21 from 5 – 11 p.m.;
Saturday, August 22 from noon – 11 p.m.; and Sunday, August 23 from noon to
9 p.m.

On Thursday, August 20 from 5 – 9 p.m., “Kid’s Day” features Farmington Hills
Fire Fighters, magic acts, mime shows, crafts, a professional skateboard
demo, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. Throughout the entire four-day
event, Thrive Fest offers music from over 70 bands, musicians, entertainers,
and carnival games and rides.

On Saturday, August 22, ages 8 and up can participate in a dodgeball
tournament and adults 21 and older can win big at all-cash Texas hold'em
tables. The Real Estate One Charity Foundation will coordinate the festival’s
beverage tent, BBQ Challenges, rock climbing wall, and other activities, while
raising money for Special Olympics Michigan.

Why go anywhere else? Stay in town on August 20 - 23 and attend the Thrive
Fest for the “ultimate staycation!” Admission to the event is free, but fees
vary for carnival rides, games, and food. For more information, call 248-473-
1800 or visit www.thrivefest.com.
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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