Your kids could be losing two months worth of math this summer.

A scary stat: during summer, students on average lose two months of math skills and two months of reading skills, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Yes, a mind is a terrible thing to waste but then again, so is our time. Remember, we chose to quiz, test and police our future Nobel prize-winners instead of hiding in our bedrooms and watching Real Housewives of New Jersey reruns. If we don’t stop their brains from draining, our kids may soon resemble Teresa’s. Here’s what we need to do this summer.

1) Create a reading list and head to the library. This will prevent their reading from sliding all summer, says the education department. What’s more, it will provide benefits year round. Check off on the list every time they finish a book and give ’em a reward. Just make sure it’s not ice cream – kids tend to pack on pounds this time of year.

2) Organize craft projects. This keeps their minds working. If they must play video games, make sure they’re educational. Here’s one involving the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.

3) Math never killed anyone. Go to Multiplation.com and print free worksheets for any grade. Make completing them a game – the most correct answers gets to pick the family’s next breakfast cereal or be first in the pool