Summertime may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean an end to the fun. Michigan offers families a wide variety of outstanding late summer and early fall outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing and attending local festivals.

In fact, August is National Family Fun Month.

I encourage Southwest Michigan residents to celebrate Family Fun Month by taking advantage of our state’s numerous outdoor activities, such as visiting one of Michigan’s historic lighthouses or taking in a round at one of our world-class golf courses.

We are blessed to have natural and cultural resources in Michigan that make our state such a great place to live and raise a family. A good way to have fun and support your local community is to get out and enjoy all the activities available right here in our own backyard.

There is plenty of time left to visit one of more than 40 Michigan water parks or aquatic centers, spend a day in the sand at one of Southwest Michigan’s beautiful beaches or take a family bike ride along miles of bike trails throughout our state.

It is not just about fun and games. Children with involved parents tend to fare better in school and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Spending more time together as a family strengthens your family bonds, improves academic performance in children and helps kids develop positive parenting skills.

As the summer comes to a close, another school year is about to start. A good education is critical in developing strong leaders, and an active parent can have a huge impact on preparing children to learn and fostering their success throughout the year. Research has shown that students whose parents are involved in their schoolwork are more motivated and set higher career goals than students with less-involved parents.

To parents of first-time students, this time may seem daunting. Relax. Sometimes the best thing you can do to ensure a child’s academic success is to simply be there for them.

Please remember that an education starts with getting to school safely. For students, please follow safety procedures when crossing the street and remember that drivers may not be able to see you. For drivers, please be cautious and patient in school zones and around school buses.

Have fun with family as summer ends, and have a wonderful school year when fall begins.

 

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents Southwest Michigan.