Summer Survival Guide, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Sibling Matters

• Have siblings brainstorm rules for sharing possessions
• Have siblings brainstorm fun things they want to do together
• Allow for alone time
• Enforce no tolerance for disrespectful interactions - end the interaction or remove them from what they are doing
• Make expectations for interactions clear before problems happen
  

Travel

• Keep children occupied on flights and long drives
• Let them know what's coming
• Have snacks available
• Don't overdo it - tired kids are cranky kids
• Make trips educational
• Leave work at home
• Make plans together
• Include activities that everyone enjoys
• Be flexible
  

Screen-time

• Set parameters around amount of time spent with screens
• Create a routine for times of the day when screens may be used
• Provide plenty of other activities as alternatives to screen-time
• Install parental controls on computers
• Monitor Internet usage
• Discuss appropriate use of social media

Boredom Busters

• Have plenty of paper and writing tools handy
• Read - gather a good number of books from a variety of genres
• Go to a library or bookstore regularly
• Allow for reasonable messes for crafts and activities
  
• Make toys that encourage creative expression available
• Schedule your day around active time and quiet time
• Look for places in your town that you have never explored
• Take a day trip
  

Quality Time

• Schedule down time
• Take advantage of time together
• Avoid mobile-device attachment disorder - i.e. continuously staring at or talking on your mobile device
• A strong parent/child relationship is the foundation for effective discipline, engaging cooperation, and healthy development