Preventing ‘Summer Slide’, how parents can keep kids’ brains active before school starts
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – As the end of summer approaches and the start of the school year gets closer, a valley doctor chimed in on the phenomenon known as the “summer slide.”
Pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Daniel Gray says kids run the risk of struggling academically if they aren’t stimulated over summer break.
“A lot of kids just sort of go into the rest mode for the summer,” Gray said. “Our kids a lot of times can just go on autopilot.”
Gray says limiting screen time may be helpful start in helping young students keep their brains active as they prepare to go back to school. He says parents should take it as an opportunity to be just as active as they would want their kids to be.
“We have to actually work to engage our children doing things like board games, outdoor activities, indoor activities, reading, writing, math, things like that,” Gray said.
Gray also suggests parents consider enrolling their kids in summer school, not because a student is behind, but to maybe get ahead.
“They can take courses through their schools to either get ahead or stay on track,” Gray said. ““We need to have a focus on how we can continue a little bit of their education without intruding on their vacation time.”
With that, Gray says it’s important to reiterate to kids that they aren’t being punished and at the end of the day, school isn’t in session just yet.
“You still get a break, you still get some summer vacation, but we’re not going to let your brain shut off this summer,” Gray said.
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