Spring dashes into summer; get ready

Only one week until Spring Break arrives at most area schools, and many a parent is at least somewhat prepared.

Visit grandma's house. Do a little spring cleaning. Take a couple trips to the library. Maybe even indulge in something that resembles a real vacation, if they're lucky.

And before they know it, Spring Break will be over and students will be flying down the greased slide toward the end of the school year. And then what?

If you've got youngsters in your brood, calm thy heart. Several weeks ago, The Press published a special section called Summertime Guide. It's packed with lots of constructive, healthy things for your kids or grandkids to do this summer, and none of them include sitting on their keisters in front of the TV set all day.

If you missed it, subscribers, here's a link to the publication online: http://bit.ly/1E1NnoS

We've also got a few copies of the publication left at the front counter of The Press, 201 Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Come on by and grab one.

We're willing to bet you'll be pleasantly surprised at the many options, most very affordable, for things that will help your kids or grandkids enjoy the summer and learn while they're having a blast. You can feel good, too, that your investment in their betterment is going to do a lot more than give the parents a break. With childhood obesity constantly expanding and social skills deteriorating because of kids' personal relationship with electronic devices, you can help put them onto a much healthier, more productive path.

Be warned about one thing, though. The kids might talk your ears off at night, recounting the great times they've had, the good friends they've made, and the valuable things they've learned. And it'll be worth every syllable.