A Summer for Conversations

School is out for the summer. The country is still struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19. Parents and educators still have work to get done. We are all looking for ways to engage with our kids about civil rights and social injustice. So, you may be asking “now what?” Each one of these topics is difficult for adults to comprehend, and even harder for kids to understand. Yet, now more than ever, it is important to answer kids’ questions the best we can. No one could have imagined that summer would have begun like this but, as always, we will persevere forward hoping for a better end to 2020 and a better future for every American.

Now that the weather is warmer, restaurants and businesses are opening—and maybe even a swimming pool or two—the urge to venture outside is growing stronger. For those who are not comfortable venturing out with their families, we have a great list of activities to keep your kids busy at home during the summer. If you do decide to venture out, remember that social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing are the best ways to stay healthy.

Many things about this summer will look different, including summer school and getting students to continue learning—even when outside of the classroom. For educators hoping to keep their students’ brains moving and learning, we salute you. Our games and materials make for great digital classroom activities that are perfect for online learning for tweens. Videos, activities, and short lessons will keep their brains moving—and teach them what the brain does, what alcohol does to it, and what that does to them.

Our commitment to encourage conversations between parents and kids about saying “YES” to healthy lifestyles is stronger than ever. Parents, as the #1 influence on your kids’ decisions to drink—or not to dink—alcohol, the more conversations you have the better. Not every conversation is about alcohol, of course, but talking to kids about making good decisions, ways to avoid and say “NO” to peer pressure, and the importance of saying “NO” to underage drinking can be woven in and really make a difference. We have a great conversation-starter to help you break the ice with your tween.

This summer will be full of opportunities to learn, and we look forward to learning both with you and from you. Stay safe, healthy, and continue to practice social distancing. Remember to continue conversations with your kids and most importantly, make the most of the extra time you have together at home.

Happy Summer!