TIP of the WEEK: Summer Vacation

Summer vacation is the best time of year for parents and public school teachers but for parents, not so much! Long unstructured days can be very difficult for children with PWS and in turn, difficult for the whole family. Take time before school lets out to create a routine that is easily attainable and stick to it.

Structure and predictability are the keys to a successful routine. Have at least once thing every month to look forward to; an activity that everyone can work towards that can encourage positive behavior. Outdoor activities are great as long as you remember that temperature regulation is not typical so be on alert for signs of heat exhaustion and people with PWS can fatigue easily so activities should be monitored closely (especially while swimming). Check for camps in your area that have PWS specific weeks. There are several around the country.

Keep the days structured and your summer will fly by!

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.