DENTON (UNT), Texas – Spring Break is coming soon for children across Dallas/Fort Worth, and that means thousands of kids will spend their week off sitting in front of the TV and playing computer games. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Wendy Middlemiss, an associate professor in educational psychology at the University of North Texas, is available to discuss how families can help kids stay productive while still enjoying a week of relaxing down-time.

Reach Middlemiss at 724-977-3067 or by email at Wendy.Middlemiss@unt.edu.
Middlemiss says many activities can be stimulating and even educational for children without missing out on fun, including cooking and planning family meals, mapping out family trips and assisting with larger family projects.

"The key is to pick projects children would be interested in doing, something they could do without supervision, something they'd be excited about," says Middlemiss. "It takes a little creativity and planning – and planning together – but that's a good way of keeping them involved and interested."

Middlemiss says families should share their expectations for what Spring Break will involve to make sure everyone enjoys their free time together.

"It's important for children to have some free time," says Middlemiss. "You don't have to fill every hour. But, having no structure isn't good either. It is just a week, and you need a balance of fun and order, and between activities and free time."