One thing I hear most from parents when the school year ends is the fear of a summer academic slide. Let me start by saying I'm a little torn on the issue. I know as an educator I should push academics year round, and to some degree I do. But let's be clear, academics - though important- does not address all the needs of the child. So let's start by creating balance. First step... create a system. Children thrive from routine.... yes, even in the summer. The cause of summ