by Lucius Trae

Created on: April 12, 2010

In the summer, younger children are left with plenty of leisure time. Working parents may have spare income, and they may not. It really depends on the situation. If they do, this will change what options are available. In many areas, summer camps can provide an outlet for children to expend energy. Costs will vary, but there are activities that are more likely to be cost effective (or free). Youth centers, churches, schools, and other organizations often provide services for children during the summer. In modern society, even workplaces are starting to offer childcare services. Daycare, too, is a potential option for parents.

Every child is different, of course. Children that have been socialized early or are naturally social, for instance, will be more inclined towards camps. I was incredibly shy and left a camp. I was a fussy eater, but I was too shy to do anything about it. Sleeping in the same room with other children was strange. I was scared of church at the time. Big building with serious atmosphere, I suppose. Then they had a sing along later in the evening. That was it for me. I ended up going home. The camp was phenomenal, though. They even offered to give me a dog if I stayed (I had already asked and I knew I wouldn't be aloud to keep it). Very nice people, looking back on it. I was just wasn't for me.

I much preferred camps where I went home in the evening, and I ended up attending various sports-related camps over the years. I ended up using a lot of energy, and I wasn't much trouble for my parents when I ended up at home. I was never a popular kid, but camps often bring out the best in people. Everyone works together and instead of giving up, I kept trying because everyone around me was so supportive.

That being said, a great portion of my summers were spent at home. Children have became more reliant on parents to entertain them. I remember my parents telling me this when I was younger, and I thought they were crazy. Now I see it's a continuing trend. When I was younger, I'd play imaginative games with toys and local children. I had the benefit of a small town where the local children all knew each other, of course.

Either way, arranging meetings with friends, or even sleepovers, can be a great way to keep your child busy. If grandparents live nearby, they might like to visit them. I ended up staying at my grandparents house in many cases. You may feel like you are burdening your parents, but that's usually not true. Grandparents generally love

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