Oh, oh, school's out! Kids are home, vacations are planned and the parents' work continues. Sound like what's happening in your world? For the most part, this IS the situation facing most families this week, and it ISN'T the 'Brady Bunch' summers of old that they will be having. This is when application of the 40 Developmental Assets can really be a big help. How?

OK, let's look at the free time issue- for kids that is. Early mornings, in most cases, are out. Decent bedtime hours are let to slide since the early rising isn't happening. Homework doesn't have to be done, so there is no reason to read, right? Schedules for chores or meals might be relaxed because, well, there's plenty of time for that 'later'.

Now let's look at the parents' summer- Well, it's pretty simple here. No change to their work schedule, running households, paying bills, providing food and clothing, and maintaining order…..opps, but now they have kids added to this mix, who will need them during those hours normally spent in school.

Asset # 17 and #20 which address 'creative use of time' and 'time spent at home' can guide families who are struggling with summer time schedules. When parents try setting priorities for their available time, it is overwhelming when summer time hits. The easier thing to do is 'let it all work out the best it can'- suddenly it's JULY and the tension in the family is rising faster than the outdoor heat, moans of boredom fill the air, the bedrooms are trashed, dishes are piled high all day, laundry backs up, and guess what IS working??? The TV, the iPods, the Computers, and the phones!

How do we keep kids safe, allow them free time for just playing, monitor their activities, maintain house rules, and still stay sane? This UNIVERSAL challenge for families becomes a health issue for the community if not addressed thoughtfully. Dropping kids off at the mall or a carnival or the pool for hours, without an adult, is NOT 'creative use of time'. Unrestricted use of computers, TV, and such is NOT the way kids should 'spend time at home'. Parents and Caregivers have a responsibility to work WITH kids on a plan of how they will spend their summers, so that everyone will benefit positively.

Rules, boundaries, and schedules aren't the enemies of kids' summers. Kids will stay in touch if told they have to. They will come home for meals if they know it is the rule. They will 'hear' your warnings about safety issues, if you TELL them. They will want to be home if you create an atmosphere for them that encourages open communication and support. They will do chores if they feel valued and know how much you appreciate their effort.

It is a tough job, but someone has to do it. As adults, we can make a difference in our kids' lives- teach them about caring for others, being responsible and staying healthy.

Please send in your concerns, ideas or experiences to HCI and we will try to address them. Visit www.hci-rtm.org or call 610-891-6286 to learn about HCI.