child, or in many instances, children.

Peter Carey, Assistant Director of The Family Learning Centre, says: "Summer can offer many positive aspects for the family unit.'' At the centre, Mr. Carey and staff attempt to help families using a "wellness based perspective which helps families discover their own potential''.

When Mr. Carey was asked to share a few of his personal parenting tips for summer, he responded with simple, yet meaningful ideas.

"It is important to know that just spending time together is nurturing,'' he said. "Listen to your kids and talk to them about what is important to them.'' And he added that the longer, warmer days of summer mean that it is possible to spend more time with children out of doors.

"As summer offers more recreational time, make time to enjoy the outdoors,'' he said. "Learn to de-stress with your kids ten minutes before starting dinner. Kick a ball, throw a frisbee together. The closeness your kids will feel with you is emotional fuel for them. Little bits of fun and love go a long way.

"Make your child or children priority number one! Try to make commitments and keep them. If you must break a date with your child, take time to acknowledge his/her disappointment. Help them to discover other things they can feel good about right away.'' Mr. Carey added that it is important to explain to children.

"Children are perceptive and understand more than you might think,'' he said.

"If you cannot provide your child with something he/she wants, express this and reassure your child with a hug and move on.'' Children also understand when you are "there'' but are not giving them attention.

"When you and your child go the beach with two or three friends you will be sharing your time with your child and your friends. It's better to give kids all of your attention some of the time rather than some of your attention all of the time.

"Some easy activities to enjoy with your family while giving your undivided attention are beach walking, swimming, star gazing, tossing or kicking a ball, frisbee, fly a kite.

"Picnics, camping, fishing, cooking outdoors take planning and organisation and these can be fun to share with friends and family.'' Mr. Carey added that children love creativity and are magical, imaginative thinkers. When your child puts the kleenex box on top of his/her head, pretending that it's a hat, go with the play. Reinforcing creativity teaches children to trust their instincts which result in high self-esteem and good social skills.

Other tips include: Giving a child an inexpensive camera and watch the wild enthusiasm. Photos are fun and make people feel special. Photos capture memories and happy moments to enjoy with your child.

Reading a story to your child or having your child read you a story.

Star-gazing. Observe the brightest star with the naked eye.

Telling your children how much they mean to you when you say goodnight or goodbye.