I can barely believe that another academic year has ended. My daughter, Amanda, finishes her second year of college tomorrow. I'll be flying halfway across the
country to meet her.
After her belongings are stowed away in a temporary storage facility, we'll head out to see my extended family (they live a few hours away from her college) for a few days. Then Amanda and I will drive back home
together.
Amanda recently landed herself a summer job as an EMT for a private ambulance company. We're very excited for her!
When she's not working, it will be so nice having her home. Joe and I are looking forward to it and we're planning a bunch of outings together!
Now that it's
May, the school year is winding down for many kids who are on the "begin in August or September and end in May or June" schedule.
It will be time to transition from school routines to the summer routines. While your own school days may be a distant memory, if you
have younger kids/grandkids, they may need some help navigating this shift. Here are some thoughts on that...
1. Reflect on Achievements Together: Get the family together for a reflective chat about accomplishments over the past school year.
Celebrate successes and recognize their hard work and dedication. This not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces the value of their efforts.
2. Assist with Backpack Clean-Out: Take the time to help declutter and clean out school backpacks with your kids. Encourage them to empty out unnecessary papers, old
assignments, and forgotten treasures. Together, decide what items are worth keeping and what can be recycled, donated, or tossed.
3. Sort Through Art Projects and Keepsakes: Art projects, assignments, and mementos from the school year can
accumulate quickly. Sit down with your kids to sort through these items, being selective to avoid clutter. Choose a few favorite pieces to keep and consider digitizing others to preserve memories without taking up physical space.
4. Encourage Summer Learning Goals: While summer break is a time for relaxation, it's also
an opportunity for continued growth and exploration. Help the kids set summer learning goals that align with their interests. Whether it's mastering a new skill, exploring a topic of interest, embarking on a creative project, or working at a summer job, encourage them to pursue activities that ignite their curiosity and passion.
5. Plan for Transition: Transitioning from the structured routine of the school year to the freedom of summer can be challenging. Work together to establish a summer routine that balances structured activities with downtime. Set expectations for chores, screen time limits, and family activities to help maintain a sense of structure and routine.
6. Express Gratitude to Teachers: Encourage your kids to express gratitude to their teachers and school staff for their support throughout the year. Whether it's writing heartfelt notes or creating small tokens of appreciation, expressing gratitude fosters a sense of appreciation and connection within the school community.
7. Embrace the Spirit of Summer: As the school year comes to a close, embrace the spirit of summer with your kids. Plan outdoor adventures, family outings, and creative activities that celebrate the joys of the season. From picnics in the park to nature hikes and backyard barbecues, make the most of this precious time together.
I'm filled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the summer ahead. Watching Amanda wrap up her second year of college and embark on her summer job as an EMT fills me with pride and anticipation.
This also reminds me of the importance of reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the season ahead.
As families everywhere transition from school routines to
the more laid-back days of summer, may we all find joy in the simple pleasures and make the most of the precious time spent together.
Here's to a school's-out-season filled with laughter, learning, relaxation, new adventures, and unforgettable
memories.