A positive attitude is a must. Work with the summer break situation instead of against it. Advance planning will give you free time while your children entertain themselves. The following are some of things that work in our home:

The children's lives have structure during the school year. Continue providing some structure to their days. When children have too much free time on their hands, boredom sets in, and they may find unproductive or unhealthy entertainment.Have a daily schedule requiring chores, etc., yet also allow for flexibility and spontaneity. This worked best for us when we assigned certain activities to certain days. Monday - library day; Tuesday - Swimming, etc. Each afternoon, we had quiet time for each person to do his or her thing. This also gave me a nice rest. I make sure plenty of art and craft items are on hand for our children.

For us, the most important summer rule is to limit television watching. Without as much TV, the children do more creative projects with their hands, read more books, and contend less among themselves. Also, don't forget daily scripture study. Summer break gives you an opportunity for more in-depth teaching and discussion with your children. - Shauna H. Hostetler, Greenacres, Fla.

*****

How we did it:

Mornings were structured

When the children were home, summer mornings were structured with ball games, swimming lessons, trips to the library, 4-H projects, earning Scout badges, daily household tasks, music practice or lessons, and learning new skills. We took many trips to nearby historical sites and had many picnics.

Quiet time was right after lunch. The children not taking naps were expected to read for an hour. After that, their time was their own. They never said, "I'm bored." - Martha R. Johnson, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Work on merit badges

Summer is an excellent time to work on Boy Scout merit badges. I have enjoyed learning right along with some of my boys and spending time one-on-one bird watching, collecting insects, studying the stars, etc. One summer, several mothers in our area each headed up one merit badge workshop, and our boys accomplished a lot in their spare summer hours. - Sandy Thackeray, Salt Lake City, Utah

Created family awards

For our children not involved in Scouting or other programs, we decided to create family awards. Many of the goals are the same as those required in Scouting and for gospel in action awards. Some of the requirements are hard, and some are easy. Many are fun, and others are service projects or chores. We have purchased some inexpensive rewards to be awarded at family home evenings when the projects are completed. - Joyce Hancock, Afton, Wyo.

Try summer camps

Summer camp probably offers the best use of time because it's fun and offers great educational benefits. An organized camping experience with the Boy Scouts or young women's groups provides a controlled atmosphere with quality adult leaders. These leaders care about the youths, and an excited staff works hard to bring the best possible program to the young campers.

Self-reliance, good housekeeping, cooking, socializing, learning, studying and being away from home teach our youths the qualities necessary to help prepare them for missions and marriage. - William D. Howard, San Diego, Calif.

Recorded message helps

Many local libraries offer group reading sessions and craft projects. Children are allowed to participate and become introduced to their talents, fictional characters and new playmates. - Marilyn M. Anderson, Mill Valley, Calif.

Stimulate your children

The first few weeks are not hard, but as weeks pass, children need frequent activities to create new ideas for their playing time. I suggest they participate in piano lessons, swimming, crafts, art, the study of countries, road map games, etc. Visit libraries, museums, city offices, newspapers, big food kitchens. Notice men working, go on nature walks and take care of a garden. Children have ideas waiting to be noticed. - Kathryn S. Baker, Joplin, Mo.

Had a weekly theme

We start early in May at family home evening, breaking the summer down into weeks, then into days. We assign each week a theme and each day's planned activity during that week goes along with the theme. All of this is written on the calendar.

For example, we have a "Flowers Week" in which we prepare flower beds, plant seeds, go shopping for flowers and visit botanical gardens. This kind of weekly activities allowed everyone to look forward to the summer and gave us ways to learn and have fun. - Judy Edens, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Study unique subjects

In the summer, I like to work on subjects my six children haven't done much of during the school year, such as elocution, art and music. I copy poems, tongue twisters and songs for them to learn and place them in a three-ring binder. Every morning after our chores and piano practicing, we work on those things for an hour in a fun, low-key way.

I give candy for poems recited or songs sung and memorized. As a larger incentive, I also give them something nice at the end of the unit of study. - Elaine C. Brewster, Provo, Utah

Have fun learning

I suggest the following:

- Have mini-classes in the guise of family activities. For example, Monday, Swimming; Tuesday, arts and crafts; Wednesday, cooking, etc.

- Create a quiet time for each day in which every family member may nap, rest or read quietly.

- Designate the first 10 days of summer break as their "personal vacation" in which only personal chores, shuch as bed-making, need to be done.

- Have a "welcome-home-for-the-summer" party on the last day of school with small presents and refreshments, so they will be glad to come home.

- Gather craft supplies and reading materials during the spring, and have them ready as needed.

- Have a positive attitude. Say to yourself, "I'm glad you're here to enjoy the summer." Don't say, "School is out; my freedom is over with all the brats home." - Donna K. Maxwell, Syracuse, Utah

*****

How to checklist:

1. Combine structured activities with free play time.

2. Design summer activities to fit into weekly themes.

3. Have craft supplies and reading materials available.

4. Create special goals, awards for children to achieve.

*****

Write to us:

June 11 "How to understand ordinances and their blessings."

June 18 "How to avoid discouragement or burnout in a small ward or branch."

June 25 "How to explain death to children."

July 2 "How to bring about positive changes in your community."

July 9 "How to be a gospel ambassador when you're the only Latter-day Saint in your family."

July 16 "How to be a better neighbor."

July 23 "How to overcome the negative aspects of jealousy."

July 30 "How to keep your career from dominating your life."

Aug. 6 "How to keep children from quarreling."

Aug. 13 "How to care for aged parents"

Have you had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Contributions may be edited or exerpted and will not be returned. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.