Summer school for your child?

By the time school is winding down, parents and child-care workers face the decision of what activities to plan with their children for the summer months. From sleep-away camp to day programs at the local YM/YWCA, parents have a myriad of summer programming choices. But should more school be something to consider?

“Summer school can be helpful to children who have fallen behind in their regular semester,” says Jerry Miller, University of Michigan professor of psychology and director of the University Center for the Child and the Family. “I’d say one of the most important tips for parents is to remember that it’s still ‘Summer.’ If it turns into a high pressure, academic period, it can further damage attitudes toward learning and school instead of helping,” Miller cautions.

“I’m not a great believer in summer school for children who are not behind in school. Especially in towns with high academic pressures, parents sometimes want summer programs to give their children an advantage for the next year.” His feeling: In general, time off from school in the summer is probably a better idea for most children.

For more information, contact Jerry Miller at (734) 764-9466 or jmmiller@umich.edu.

Jerry Millerjmmiller@umich.edu