Show notes
Summer slide (noun): The loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer vacationPhoto by bcrumpler via FlickerParents (& educators) have long worried about the things kids "forget" over the summer. This year, on the tail of a pandemic-interrupted school year that launched valiant attempts at unplanned remote learning, parents (& educators) are more concerned than ever before. According to a recent New York Times article, 3/4 of parents of children under 12 and 64% of parents of teens feel that it's more important to do parent-led educational activities with their children this summer than in previous summers. Just 17% of surveyed parents said they do not feel this pressure.We're here to tell you that you can take a break. There are a lot of ways to combat summer slide and help boys learn -- and none of them have to be painful."Relax!" Janet says. "Lower your expectations, give yourself some grace, play and get outside."In this episode, Jen & Janet discuss: The truth about summer slide (Spoiler: summer learning losses aren't as large as many people think) Why you should focus on your son's mental health instead of academic achievement Decreasing screen-dependency Nature deficit disorder How to get your boy OUTSIDE Natural learning How to keep kids busy in the summer Teaching boys to play independently Helping kids self-entertain Encouraging self-relianceCommon Sense Skills camp How to reinforce math & reading skillsLinks we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:"Nature Deficit Disorder" is Really a Thing -- NYT article discussed at School's Out. Parental Burnout Isn't Going Away -- NYT article mentioned at Pandemic Parenting Was Already Relentless. Then Came Summer -- NYT articleHow to Prevent Your Kids From Losing What They Learned in School During Summer Vacation -- Scholastic articleWe're Running a Common Sense Camp for Our Kids This Summer -- article mentioned at about Dad, How Do I? -- YouTube channel mentioned at Summer Survive & Thrive Tips -- ON BOYS episodeGarth Brooks: The Road I'm On -- documentary mentioned at 24:30Our Sponsors:* Check out Armoire and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style* Check out Factor and use my code onboys50 for a great deal: www.factor75.com* Check out Homethreads and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: www.homethreads.com* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: * Check out undefined and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy