Summertime and the livin’ AINT easy... | ADHD Information
Thank you all for some great ideas. Unfortunately, I don't think we have museums that have similar programs, but I am checking out the Y and also the local colleges. Keep the ideas coming!What about getting a local college student to "hang" with him? Of course, one that is responsible.
OK folks! What does a 13 yr. old boy do during the summer? All of the sudden the all day programs through the city are no longer available-cut off is 12.
My son hated the boys and girls clubs-he was always in trouble.
Sooo.... since my son is unable to be alone without injuring himself, breaking something or just plain making me nervous (plus it isn't right for kids to sit home alone all summer long in my opinion anyway)--what does one do with a child who is biologically 13 but maturity-10ish?
I have to work full time. His father does as well. (Although our hours are different and his grandparents are also home for some of the day as well.)
What do teenagers who aren't old enough to work, yet not young enough to go to all day programs do all summer long???
(I am in the Phoenix metro area.)
All ideas would be appreciated.
Yme!39573.6428240741That's a toughie. i know our YMCA has summer programs for older kids.
Also, have you tried the community rec programs? The art museum? ( We
live on the mid-Atlantic coast, so the local maritime museums offer
sailing lessons, etc. ) Has your son considered volunteering?
My kids are only 9 and 6, so I am not in your shoes yet. I just wanted to
throw out some ideas. (What are the other kids his age doing?) Would
his grandparents be willing to drive him to and fro? Could he do some
work (household chores, yard work. etc.) for them?
This age seems to be a real "in-between" time for most kids. They get
kind of left out. It's a real worry for parents, I am sure.
Mine at that age did summer camp, sleep away camp, and my oldest was a Junior Counselor at camp.
My almost 11yo is too old for the local day camps, so we enrolled her at a "camp" at the local University, she will be taking a Science " build a robot" class, a math class and the afternoons will be softball camp. You might check a local college or tech school, they sometimes have camps.
I put mine to work volunteering at the local food pantry, stocking shelves and bagging groceries. He also went to camp at the colege and took his life saving course at the pool.
Other than that, he had a to do list each day, doing minor home repairs, raking, washing windows, wtc. Hisvideo games wwere limited and he had to find other accepable things to do.
That's the tough age ... it's no longer "cool" to go to the local camp. My son used to go to Parks and Rec or the "Y" camp. It doesn't change at 15 either! Last year my son did football camp. He liked the conditioning and it tired him out! There are also basketball clinics. What about swimming classes? I know anything academic would get a "look" 
but my son was interested in a "how to make computer games" class at a local community college. A few offer programs for kids during the summer. Check your local musuems (art or science) They usually offer some cool camp. My goal was just to keep him busy!
Also, I alternate these "academic/craft/fun" programs with any sports programs I can find so the kids don't burn out. All the soccer/tennis/swim clubs in our area offer day camps for teens for the entire summer.
Also, I found an internet forum for moms that is local to my area and they have entire threads dedicated to summertime camps/etc..--even special needs. I found the link to this forum in my local paper. It's been a godsend!
Good luck!