Summer Is Here..Now What?
Summer...it's finally here! School is out for the summer and the air is filled with cries of joy from children now free to enjoy a break from their studies. But for many parents, the challenge is just beginning - and their cries are more in the nature of "now what?" Planning a summer vacation is the traditional response and there is no doubt that taking a family vacation is a great way to reconnect with your children and to reduce stress. But what if you can't take an extended holiday during the summer?
The truth is that any quality time spent with your family can help to restore balance to your work and home life and strengthen your family relationships. Whether you are able to take an extended break from work or not, there are many fun and affordable ways to reconnect with your family this summer. |
| The "Un-Vacation"
Quick Tips for Family Activities |
Plan a Weekend Getaway
A weekend away from your regular routine will revitalize both you and your family. Make planning your getaway part of the fun by encouraging your children to either choose the destination or find a fun activity for the whole family. This will give your children a feeling of inclusion, importance and accomplishment. Weekend activities and vacation destinations can be found in local newspapers or online.
Take a Day Trip
A day trip is another way to break from the ordinary and restore a sense of balance. It is also another way to spend more time with your loved ones doing something that everyone can enjoy. The summer weather is ideal for spending a day at the beach, going to a water park or visiting a local zoo.
Explore Your City
In cities across the country, the warm weather also brings street performers, cultural festivals and free outdoor activities for all ages. There are lots of family-oriented activities and events on the weekend and in the evenings. Make planning for the summer part of the fun by creating a family events calendar!
Enjoy an Evening Together
If your children are on vacation and you are not, take advantage of the time you have together in the evening. Try something different for dinner and plan a picnic. Longer summer days allow for an evening picnic in the park and an after dinner walk to a local ice cream shop. Explore the parks in your city for an evening that combines physical activity and fun for all ages, such as miniature golf or the batting cage. |
|
Resources |
|
Parenting
Summer Events and Programs
|
| Finding Childcare and Day Programs
Family Connexions Family Care Consultations |
|
Summer can be particularly challenging for working parents with school-age children. In addition to traditional childcare, day and overnight camps are an option. There are many affordable options for both day and overnight camps that provide supervision and opportunities for children of all ages to learn, socialize and keep active.
The Family Connexions family care consultation services provide telephone assistance for parents to find local child care, summer camps and recreation programs. Counsellors can also assist with finding emergency childcare. Specialized resource kits are available, with information targeted to parents of school-age, pre-teen or teenage children. Kits include activities, tips, and tools for spending time with your child and to promote child or home safety, specific to each group.
For more information on your eligibility for the Family Connexions services - or a similar service available through your organization or in the community - contact your EAP. | |
| Family Services offers confidential professional assistance on a wide variety of personal and work-related issues. For more information on your EAP, call 1-800-668-9920 or visit your EAP Web site at www.myfseap.com. |
| *Clicking on this link will open a new window and take you to a Web site that is not affiliated with myfseap.com or Family Services Employee Assistance Programs. Links to other sites of interest are provided here as a service to you, however, we can make no claim as to the accuracy or validity of any information contained on these sites. As always, speak with a counsellor or physician for advice that is specific to you and your situation. |
|
This newsletter is to provide timely information to readers; contents are not intended as advice to individual problems. Please contact your EAP professional for assistance. Editorial material is to be used at your discretion and does not necessarily imply endorsement by Family Services Employee Assistance Programs. |
All articles © Family Services Employee Assistance Programs (FSEAP), except where noted otherwise. Please note that the posting of the Solutions newsletters or any articles in whole or part on any public Web site is prohibited. Customers and clients of FSEAP can access an online archive of current and back issues: log on to www.myfseap.com using your assigned Group Name and Password and select Solutions Newsletter from the MyHealth menu. To request permission to reprint specific Solutions articles, contact FSEAP at info@fseap.com. | |
|
|
|
|
From the Library... |
|
See the MyHealth Library for the "Summer Survival Guide for Working Parents." The guide is a collection of articles on topics of:
- Family Recreation
- Child Care & Safety
The MyHealth Library is part of your EAP Web site.
To access your EAP Web site, visit www.myfseap.com (you will need your assigned Group Name and Password). To access the resources, select the Library from the MyHealth menu. |
 |
| Links |
|
|
|
|
