Mom's Talk: Summer Vacation With Kids

Each week, in Moms Talk, our Alpharetta-Milton Moms Council of expert and smart moms take your questions, give advice, and offer solutions. Then you get to chime in with your opinion in the comments section as well.

If you really like this regular column and want to take part–or maybe you just know your answers would be more helpful–then why don't you join our Moms Council? Email Bob Pepalis or Tammy Bester.

Summer vacation is almost here. Many parents struggle with summer because they have to pay childcare and for summer camps for their children. Multiple kids in a family makes it more difficult for summer camps when they cost at least $100 a week on the low end. 

Q: How does your family balance summer with kids financially? Do you think summer school should be a free option for families?

A: Being a stay-at-home mom for the last 16 years, we've always had to live on a budget. So my summers always consisted of me being the primary organizer of (cost-efficient) kid activities. As they got older I did try to get them to at least one week of Scout or Christian camp, and they also did a week of Vacation Bible School. These types of activities tend to be much less expensive then standard summer camps. I used to go to Christian camps when I was a kid and have great memories of those experiences.

I don't think summer school should be a free option unless a child is struggling in school and evaluations have proved that extra help would help them to not fall behind in school.

I have always believed that summers were far too long. I am more of a year-round school fan, which simply means more like a six-week summer, and a few more weeks through the year. I can't help thinking that these would be very popular with families. Even non-working parents would appreciate a week or two of summer occupation like this I'm sure.

-Audrey Greenwood, mom of 3

A: I am a stay at home mom so I am fortunate to not have to worry about needing childcare during the summer. I do like to enroll the kids in activities when they are not in school just because I want to keep them active and away from the video games and television. I balance it out so the summer is broken up between activities and family trips. This cuts down on the cost of summer programs.

I do wish schools gave the option for year round schools. I think there are a lot of families who simply can not afford summer programs for their children. I worry where these children go when their parents are at work fearing that the kids stay home alone. I also worry what the kids who are on the free lunch program eat during the summer.

-Tammy Bester, mom of 3