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—An ADDitude reader
> We do arts and crafts projects and travel to towns near us that have lots of history.
— Kim Benton, Pearl, Mississippi
> We get a zoo membership and visit frequently.
— Bonnie Schmitt, Erie, Pennsylvania
> I choose a specific behavior my son needs to work on, and I set up an incentive chart, showing his rewards.
— Deb, Waco, Texas
> Schedule, schedule, schedule... and routine. Although I feel like a cruise ship activities director, I know that it makes for a less-disruptive summer if we have a lot of activities planned.
— Victoria, Valhalla, New York
> I find ways to get them to spend time outside every day. I provide opportunities for large-movement exercise (running, jumping, skipping, wrestling), as well as small-movement activities (coloring, puzzles, video games).
—An ADDitude Reader
> Having a trampoline is key. The kids burn up lots of energy. We also have a calendar where we schedule one weekly excursion day and weekend activities. I post daily to-do lists on everyone’s bedroom door.
— Mandy Daellenbach, Everett, Washington
> We create our own “camp,” and we have fun projects, experiments, and day trips to sharpen their academic skills.
— An ADDitude Reader
> I give my son a break from his medicine, and he gets his spontaneity back. I have to be twice as patient, though, about his doing chores.
— Elizabeth Milner, Spring, Texas
20 Secrets to a Smarter Summer
Readers share tips on maintaining routines, encouraging learning, and — most importantly — having fun over summer. Download now!
