Kids in summer: going outside vs. online.

• Position: Your Life - Brief Article

What do you do if all your kid wants to do this summer is sit at the computer? Educational psychologist Glenn Snelbecker, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa., who specializes in technology, says parents need to encourage kids to strike a good balance between online and outside fun. "Things done in excess, even good things, can be a problem. And there are many ways to combine computer activities and more-active things." If your child is checking out a nature-related website, encourage a nature walk. Conversely, if he or she is learning a new sport, have the youngster go online to find out more about it.

Summer is also a good time for mothers and fathers to learn more about their...