The Fourth of July is here. Memorial Day is gone. The heat and fun of summer is here. Celebrate! Many of you may have notice that we took a year long pause since our last post on suicide. We needed to do so. Thank you all for your inquires. We are back and in full swing. Summer planning is in full swing, trips and camp deposits are paid for and calendars aligned. Many of our staff members live near the beach, a water park and club pool. We are enjoying them. In the summer it’s important to remember to keep up our manners and brush up on our civility, thoughtfulness, and kindness. Remember these nine rules and you'll beat the heat and your courtesy will shine this summer.
· Remember to respond to those summer party invitations in a timely manner and teach your children to do the same. No one hosting a summer picnics wants to run out of hot dogs.
· No splashing water on others in swimming pools or water park and immediately stop when you hear a lifeguard whistle. They are in charge and know what is best.
· Say “thank you” to your camp counselors, babysitters, bus drivers, and any special guests who visit you this summer and teach your children to do the same.
· Let your child, even if she is a preschooler, set the table for each meal while you are on summer break. They will learn the correct way to do it after a few times and they will feel like a VIP for being old enough to help you. Cookouts and barbecues are a perfect time for them to practice table setting and manners.
· Observe proper dress codes of stores and restaurants after you leave the beach and swimming pool. But your cover-up on and dry off. Some places do not allow flip-flops or swim attire. Keep an extra set of clothes in the car, just in case.
· Before hitting the amusement park, remind your children how to act appropriately at amusement parks, zoos, water parks, beaches, and other places they may visit this summer. This includes to be patient while waiting in line. No yelling, crowding, kicking or climbing.
· Remember to respect the landscape, don’t pick or thrash the flowers or plants.
· Pick up your trash.
· Summer is a time to be outside and play. Remind your child to have good sportsmanship while playing games this summer. They can’t expect to win each time. Playing the game is the point. So is, having fun and being together, out of work or school and in the sun.
Jump into the pool. Dance to the music. Strike a pose. Have fun, be kind – it feels good. Stay safe and remember to mind your manners each day!