Well, it's summertime and we are all trying to relax, get outside a bit more, and have fun whether we are vacationing or just at home with the kids.

While we all tend to think "fun" when summer arrives, studies suggest that this is a particularly demanding time for parents. 

While many of us have children who seem to get along well, and are generally responsible, they all have their moments.  Day in...and day out...it can be nerve wracking!

What happens is that the more time we have with kids, the more opportunity for any weakness in our parenting to reveal itself!  As the stress is added, many (not all) of us fall into patterns of nagging, demanding, prodding, yelling...and just plain, old...losing it and going ballistic.

It ain't pretty! 

So "summer fun" can really turn into ... "I am so done...with summer fun!"

But wait!  There is hope!

Most of the problems, whether relatively minor or ... even if fairly major, are solvable. Y ou just have to make sure you get a game plan that takes your focus off of the futile attempts to "control" kids during the summer fun time ... to the successful "Terrific Parenting" approaches where you "teach" kids to listen, be responsible, and get along.  The tools are all here, and I have seen hundreds of parents master the essential summer "tricks." 

It can be done.  Part of your secret for real summer fun with the family ... is to rely upon structure to bring sanity to daily life ... at home or on the road (at Disney, the Waterpark, or camping). 

I hope you will begin to visit my parenting blog, or offer comments on my brand new parenting forum as I will be discussing more specifics about how to enjoy the summer WHILE nurturing healthy habits ... over the course of the next couple weeks.  For now, check out these articles:

Summer Fun: Maximize the Good Stuff This Summer

Summer Habits: Keep the Good Stuff Going

Pool Rules That Make Sense

To a great summer!

Randy L. Cale, PhD
Licensed Psychologist