Hello, Bermuda. So we're now at the end of May. The year is flying by. Summer activities for kids is my topic for this week. I implore parents to find activities for their kids. For those old enough to work, things are a little different this year and its not as easy to get a summer job.

Times are tough, companies have less money, fewer employers are hiring and those that are hiring are hiring fewer kids than in previous years. For those kids who will not or cannot work; parents will do well to ensure that their kids are in organised, structured activities whilst their parents are at work, versus having them wandering the streets looking for amusement, entertainment or something to do. More on this after the Top 20.

Improving to #1 is Everything To Me by Monica, a former essential new tune. Tumbling to #2 is Hard by Rihanna, the Bajan Bombshell. Rude Boy by Rihanna holds at #3.

Improving to #4 is Hey Daddy, (Daddy's Home) by Usher featuring Plies. Falling to #5 is Tik Tok by Ke$ha, a bouncy, catchy, clubby pop tune is all in frequent circulation. Slipping to #6 is Sexy Chick by David Guetta featuring Akon, a monster house jam.

Up at #7 is Neighbors Know My Name by Trey Songz. Down at #8 is On To The Next One by Jay Z and Swizz Beats. Dropping to #9 is Bedrock by Young Money featuring Lloyd. Falling to #10 is Snoop Dogg's I Wanna Rock.

Tumbling to #11 is Why Don't You Love Me by Beyonce. At #12 is Say Something by Timbaland featuring Drake, a former essential new jam. Up to #13 is My Chick Bad by Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj. Over, by Drake, improves to #14.

Improving to #15 is Alicia Keys with Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready). Improving to #16 is Nothing On You by B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars. Falling to #17 is How Low by Ludacris. Soaring to #18 is L'il Freak by Usher featuring Nicki Manj, last week's essential new jam. Dropping to #19 but staving off elimination like the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns is Say Aah by Trey Songz featuring Fabolous.

Tumbling to #20 is It Kills Me by Melanie Fiona, one of the hot ballads currently on the circuit.

Now back to this week's word – keeping kids busy and occupied during the summer. There is an old adage, "Empty vessels make the most noise". There is another: "For Satan finds some mischief still/For idle hands to do."

These two sayings underscore the importance of making sure children have meaningful activities to keep them busy and their minds occupied during the summer.

We opened this week's account accepting the reality that the recession is not over in Bermuda. Although the few hotels we have left seem busy these days; we have to accept that it is not business as usual or like it used to be in Bermuda.

Our American friends are travelling more; they've produced over 300,000 new jobs so far this year and there is generally increased consumer confidence. However, that has not trickled down across the Atlantic to Bermuda yet. We still have cutbacks, stores closing, sales like never before, less money moving around the country and prolonged unemployment for some 1,500-plus persons.

We have to do something about it but companies are not this year in a position to employ as many students as they have in the past. So parents have to be creative this summer. If you have family overseas and you can't find a job for your kid, send them away for a few weeks. Travel always opens people's minds and gives them a new perspective.

If travel is not an option, there's always sailing, swimming lessons or any of the many camps that exist. Golf, tennis, cricket, football, sports is always a winner and too many of our young people are lazy, indoor bound, don't like to go outside and get some exercise kids.

We need to get them out for 60 minutes of exercise every day, as a minimum. Also, I remember that although I wasn't Adventist, I attended vacation bible school at the Southampton Church one summer. Nothing bad can ever come out of sending your kid to church or any activity at or involving a church. Other churches also have vacation bible schools and they are excellent. It's all good and I encourage it.

Lastly, here's outside the box thinking! Teach your kid business by having them open a business for the summer. They can cut grass for people in the neighbourhood, paint people's houses, roofs, etc. for starters. That will teach them the value of money and how hard you have to work for it. And that is never a bad lesson.

Peace and here's to keeping our kids minds and bodies active ... DJLT.