So who's looking after your children this summer?

FRIDAY, JUNE 22: This is the time of school year when everyone is preparing to say goodbye.

For some, it’s just a short separation for two months before teachers, students and friends will reunite to start a new school year.

For others, it’s time for a transition to a new school — a higher grade.

There will be many tears shed while at the same time many sighs of relief. Another school year has passed.

While within the past school year there have been situations that some would definitely wish to forget, and in some cases, situations which have been left unresolved, there have been numerous things to celebrate.

As our young people prepare to exit the doors of their respective schools, many will be able to reflect upon the things they’ve done well and the things for which they’ve been rewarded. 

The summer vacation should be a time of fun but learning cannot be overlooked.

I encourage all parents to be sure their sons and daughters are engaged in supervised activities over the summer.

Yes, there is a cost for programmes and camps and this will require a sacrifice on the part of parents and possibly even extended family members, but that cost will be far less than the potential costs of mischief children may get themselves into if left to their own devices.

It is also vital that parents find out about the experience and background of those to whom they are entrusting the care of their children.

Bear in mind, that not everyone who cares for children necessarily likes them.

Parents must be sure that their sons and daughters continue to read, to study, and to learn over the summer holiday.

Failing to do so puts the youth at a disadvantage upon return to school.

But in the meantime, we need to celebrate all the great achievements of our youth.

So I’m asking that you email me the accomplishments of your sons and daughters as well as any other young person you may know so that I may give recognition to them by name on my final end-of-summer radio show on June 25. This could be awards, milestones and achievements in school, the community, in any sport activity or anything else.  To celebrate their achievements there will also be some giveaways on that show too. Young people tend to get shy when asked to share what they’ve done well so it’s our turn, as the adults, to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Generations radio show will be going on summer vacation for the months of July and August but you will be able to enjoy encore presentations of many of the shows you missed – every Monday evening on MIX106 FM – and the live show will return on Monday, September 10.

• Shawnette Somner is a guest columnist and host of the radio show, Generations, which airs on Monday evenings on Mix106 FM from 7:30pm to 9pm. E-mail: [email protected]