Tips to avoid the summer 'brain drain'

Do you worry about your kids losing their math and reading skills during the summer?

A 2011 study by the Rand Corporation found a majority of kids lose about a month's worth of math and reading skills before they head back to school in the fall.

But some experts say "brain drain" is nothing to fear. Kids can still have fun and stay sharp during the long vacation.

Kate Eshleman, a child psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's, said parents can turn almost any summer activity into a learning experience.

"You integrate it into fun activities. So, things that you're already doing - playing outside, going on trips - make those activities educational," Eshleman said.

Eshleman suggests finding things for kids to measure or add up, point out rock formations on a visit to the park or even talk about the weather.

"What's making the rain? What does thunder really mean? When you're planning to go on trips, what are some of the geographic areas you're going to be visiting and what's going on with oceans or mountains," Eshleman said.

Stocking up on field guides or books that explain what kids are learning about and booking trips to a zoo or nature center may also help exercise young minds.