While the kidlets are jumping up and down for joy after school lets out for the summer, you may feel ready to jump out the window. These days it’s common for young people — especially those of a generation raised in front of the tube and not expected to do as many house chores — to find it difficult to engage themselves in positive activities. As a result, children are spending an unprecedented amount of time with electronics, and less time with traditional creative discovery, such as crafts, role-playing and exploring the outdoors.

Luckily, it isn’t that difficult to get kids engaged and excited about activities that teach and enrich, as well as amuse. Parents just may need a little inspiration. What are the activities you are engaging your children in this summer? On the Baby University forum there are a couple of those discussions going on now, you’re invited to join in.

How have your kids been keeping busy this summer?

When do your kids go back to school?

We have a great discussion on our Baby Boards asking the question “Do you allow your Tween/Teen to use MySpace?”. The resounding answer so far – No.

While MySpace gained popularity rapidly among the teens of recent culture it has also had a grave impact on many of those teens lives. One notable incident that gained worldwide media attention is the story of Megan Meir, a Missouri teenager who committed suicide under the emotional influence of an orchestrated hoax by members of her community. You can read more of Megan’s story via Wikipedia.

Emotional duress is only one aspect of the myspace impact on tweens/teens. There is also the fact that MySpace is a breeding ground for unsavory types who might not normally have such intimate access to impressionable young minds. What should come of these atrocities upon America’s young? A a heightened awareness among parents of their children’s activities online would be a start. Myspace is simply a medium, parents should ensure their children do not have access to questionable social activities online.

Contribute your opinion to this discussion on our Baby Boards!