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What Will the Kids Do This Summer?

Yes, it's only March. But it's not a moment too soon to start planning your children's summer activities. We have two new articles to help make your planning easier. Start with our guide to choosing summer programs and check out the resources there, too. If you have a child with special needs, we have information that should guide you in choosing a summer program your child will love.

Yes, it's only March. But it's not a moment too soon to start planning your children's summer activities. Below, we have two new articles to help make your planning easier. Start with our guide to choosing summer programs and check out the resources there, too. If you have a child with special needs, we have information that should guide you in choosing a summer program your child will love.

You can find the articles here
Summer ... Continue reading What Will the Kids Do This Summer?.

Your Child and Summer Camp-Finding a Match

Long before the months of sunshine and warmth arrive to pull us Minnesotans out of our winter freeze, parents need to be contemplating how their children will spend those school-free, unstructured days. The time is now, and fortunately the Twin Cities has some awesome summertime camps and programs for children of all ages. The tricky part is picking just the "right" summer experience for your toddler, third-grader or teen.

By Tracey Agranoff

Long before the months of sunshine and warmth arrive to pull us Minnesotans out of our winter freeze, parents need to be contemplating how their children will spend those school-free, unstructured days. The time is now, and fortunately the Twin Cities has some awesome summertime camps and programs for children of all ages. The tricky part is picking just the "right" summer experience for your toddler, third-grader or teen.

Here is a six-step plan to set your family up ... Continue reading Your Child and Summer Camp-Finding a Match.

Finding a Camp for Your Child With Special Needs

Ah, summer camp. The mosquitoes, the swim races, the friendships, the bug juice, the postcards home. What child wouldn't benefit from the fun and structured freedom camps provide? Kids with special needs certainly aren't an exception. But the prospect can seem daunting to parents and kids alike - how can you be sure that your child will get the attention he or she needs? Will your child be able to participate fully? What about the other kids?

Ah, summer camp. The mosquitoes, the swim races, the friendships, the bug juice, the postcards home. What child wouldn't benefit from the fun and structured freedom camps provide? Kids with special needs certainly aren't an exception. But the prospect can seem daunting to parents and kids alike - how can you be sure that your child will get the attention he or she needs? Will your child be able to participate fully? What about the other kids? Will your child make friends? Will they understand you ... Continue reading Finding a Camp for Your Child With Special Needs.

Attention Seeking Child May Feel Dethroned: Sylvia Rimm on Raising Kids

Q. We have a very bright 7-year-old son who excels in school and is well-liked by his teachers and fellow students. At home, we experience the following: outbursts of strange noises; failure to acknowledge wrongdoing; physical hurtfulness to his brother; defiance and inability to take corrective criticism. When focused on doing something he wants to do, right or wrong, he continues to do so in the midst of being corrected. The list goes on. Any suggestions?

By Sylvia Rimm

Q. We have a very bright 7-year-old son who excels in school and is well-liked by his teachers and fellow students. At home, we experience the following: outbursts of strange noises; failure to acknowledge wrongdoing; physical hurtfulness to his brother; defiance and inability to take corrective criticism. When focused on doing something he wants to do, right or wrong, he continues to do so in the midst of being corrected. The list goes on. Any suggestions?

A. The characteristics you're describing at home sound as if he has a fairly serious problem, but because his school behavior and relationsh ... Continue reading Attention Seeking Child May Feel Dethroned: Sylvia Rimm on Raising Kids.

Leaving Your Child Home Alone

Whether it's a snow day home from school, an unexpected business appointment, or a child care arrangement that fell through at the last minute, situations are likely to arise where you feel you have little choice but to leave your child home alone. But it doesn't have to be something for which you and your child feel unprepared.

Whether it's a snow day home from school, an unexpected business appointment, or a child care arrangement that fell through at the last minute, situations are likely to arise where you feel you have little choice but to leave your child home alone.

It's natural to be a bit anxious when you first leave your child without any supervision. But it doesn't have to be something for which you and your child feel unprepared. With some planning - and trial runs where you remain close by - you can approach the ... Continue reading Leaving Your Child Home Alone.