Summer Activity Tips for Families

By JERRY WOLFFE

AUBURN HILLS -- For many families, the summer transition from daily routines guided by the education system to a less formal schedule can be challenging. This is especially true for families who rely on special education services to support children who have a serious emotional disturbance or developmental disability
 

Experts from Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority are encouraging parents to remember that after school lets out, it is important that children and their families maintain a structured day. The amount of structure depends on each family.

They recommend that parents establish at least three goals to identify new learning experiences. 

At the top of their list are ideas for activities in Oakland County that have little or no cost:

·         Explore your local, County and State parks

·         Attend day and/or overnight camps

·         Plant and maintain a garden

·         Take an art class

·         Learn to cook, sew or repair something

·         Visit your local library

·         Help a neighbor in need

·         Attend movie nights or concerts in the parks.

More suggestions for inexpensive summer family fun experiences can be found online at Oakland County Moms.com, Metroparent.com, and DestinationOakland.com. 

Jerry Wolffe is the writer-in-residence, advocate-at-large at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He can be reached at (586) 263-8950.