If it seems summer’s getting a later unofficial start than it has in years past, chalk it up as an after-effect of the ongoing Frozen fad. Elsa certainly brought the snow days this year, delaying school’s-out and graduation dates all over the area. (My kids aren’t sprung till the 24th!) But everyone’s favorite ice queen hasn’t stopped us from launching our summer coverage on time and in a big way.
Want to halt the so-called summer slump and keep your kids’ learning on track? Turn to our can’t-miss season’s reading list and guide to summer-school survival. Still need to sign up for camp? Visit our Virtual Camp Fair to find great local camps with open slots.
We’ve got advice if your teen needs a summer job, your homeschooler a graduation or your resident grill-master a few new recipes. And if that grill-master’s nickname is Pops, he’ll appreciate our Father’s Day look at how area stay-at-home dads spend their time.
It’s not just stay-at-home dads who are more involved in their kids’ lives than ever before. According to a recent US Health and Human Services study, 9 out of 10 dads regularly bathe, diaper, help dress, eat with and talk with their kids; 2 out of 3 help with homework; and half take kids to or from activities. Speaking of, activities are at the heart of MK’s massive summer project: 72 Days of Summer Fun.
Starting June 19, we’ll help you soak up all summer has to offer, highlighting daily events, spotlighting fill-the-time ideas and giving away scads of free stuff — everything from active toys from the likes of Playmobil, Nerf and K’nex to tickets to the area’s best family spots. Log on every day to MetroKids.com/summerfun to stay in the loop. You bring the sunblock, we’ll bring the fun.
Happy start of summer,
Cheryl
