Dear Family Coach: It's about the time when we start trying to find summer camps for our two children. I am not sure if I should let them choose what they want to do, or if I should try to expand their horizons with something new or academic. What do you think? — Camp Parent

Dear Camp Parent: Summer camp is one of childhood's greatest gifts. Kids who aren't the most studious find that sports camp allows them to be a star. Others who are more interested in arts dig an intensive summer experience that includes glass blowing, jewelry-making, woodwork and printing. Whatever the camp — day or sleep-away, broad-based or subject-focused, the benefits are far-reaching. Camp builds leadership and communication skills. Children learn about fairness, responsibility and organization. The most important lessons learned include getting along with children from different schools and backgrounds. No matter what you chose, their horizons are expanded.

Today's children are highly programmed with tasks. They have school, hours of homework to complete, and lots of after-school activities. Before they know it, childhood is over and work begins. Let summer be a time for fun. I could make an argument for any kind of summer experience, but it really depends on what is best for your particular child. When I'm considering camps for my children, I always think about building on their strengths, while also mixing in a few new challenges (social to academic to athletic to conquering a fear). Whatever you do, don't push a camp on a child who is resistant. If the decision is mutual, you'll watch your child blossom in brand-new ways.

Dear Family Coach: My 19-month-old son is going through a phase where he's climbing everything, and I find myself in a constant internal debate. Should I let him climb (perhaps risking a fall, but providing a lesson), or does he need protection from all potential dangers? I feel like a few bumps and bruises are part of the learning process. My wife thinks our son doesn't seem to be learning from the climb-and-fall-down experience. No more than five minutes after falling he's back climbing. Where do you weigh in on this? — Dangerous Denny

Dear Denny: You logic is flawed. Sure, children learn from negative experiences. But sometimes there are more positives than negatives with an experience and the lesson is learned more slowly. Your son might get a bit scared or hurt when he falls down. But maybe he'd love to try to climbing on your back. Or maybe he is only getting hurt 10 percent of the time. With those odds, I might continue to climb, too, if I were him.

Some parents baby-proof within an inch of their child's life. Others take a similar stance to yours: Children will burn themselves once and learn not to touch the stove. The problem is that sometimes the lesson comes at too great a price. A small burn may be a small price to pay, but boiling water being spilled on a toddler's head is negligent, so I'd prefer to err on the side of caution. Your son is showing you that this method doesn't work for him. Do a bit more baby-proofing or confine him to certain areas of the home. Strike a balance between wrangling him and letting him safely explore the landscape. Oh, and sign him up at the local climbing gym so he can climb safely to his heart's content.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.