Acting camp. Dance classes. Violin lessons. Swimming. Tennis team. Basketball league. Even French-language tutorials.

Does this sound like your kids' summer plans? Admittedly, it's hard to turn down all of the exciting opportunities that are available for kids these days. Unfortunately, many children are being raised in an increasingly hurried and pressured style by well-intentioned parents that might limit the protective benefits they would gain from child-driven play.

Take back your children's summer vacation and force yourself to be less structured:

Remind yourself why you are doing this. You are going to find yourself questioned by many, including that nosy neighbor who puts her kids in everything. So have your answers ready when you get pinned down. Remind yourself that your kids have an advantage in being allowed to let their creativity flow and their brains to roam, rather than being hemmed in by a 9-to-5 schedule. If you need reinforcement, a great resource is Free-Range Kids (www.freerangekids.com).

Pick your favorites. Sit down with your kids and explain why you are intentionally scaling back. Have them choose one or two favorite activities, programs or camps, and then move full steam ahead on those and leave everything else behind. They'll feel empowered by the selection process and will understand why you feel it's important to leave room for free time.

Plan play time. This might seem like an oxymoron -- planning spontaneity? -- but it can be helpful to avoid the inevitable "What should I do now?" One evening after dinner, gather the family and brainstorm. Gin up ideas for rainy days, ideas for hot-hot-hot days -- weekdays and weekends. Jot them down and stick them to the side of the fridge or a wall in the family room or playroom. Then, if the kids complain of boredom, point them to the fun wall.

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