summer

Helping Kids to Have a Safe Summer

Helping Kids to Have a Safe Summer

The other day I watched a replay of the 1970’s movie Grease on TV with the hit song “Summer Nights”. Much to my kids’ dismay, I couldn’t stop singing the catchy refrain “Summer days driftin’ away” over and over. Although this popular song appears quite fun and innocent, it’s amazing how many of the themes of love, exploration and adolescence are enshrined in it and still current today. Around the globe, summertime means less structure and more freedom for many young people. Being out of school and regular supervision can lead to situations where teens spent hours on screens, have irregular sleep hours, or get dehydrated from significant sun exposure. During the summer, teens are also at increased risk for experimenting with alcohol and drugs, having a motor vehicle accident, drowning or other injury. Here are some quick tips for parents to help kids stay safe: