End of School Year / Transition to Summer

With the end of the school year in sight, I must admit that along with my excitement about my son’s end of freshman year, and daughter’s end of 5th grade, I am also feeling quite anxious about the loss of schedule and structure!

Summer is a season of sunshine, adventure, and relaxation, but transitioning from the structured routines of school to the free-flowing days of summer can be challenging for both kids and families.

In our household, both my husband and I work full-time so having a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old around ALL day can be exhausting; honestly what we find most difficult is having to feed them breakfast, lunch, and dinner 😊 Here are some tips that I am going to attempt to try this summer in hopes to have a more fun-filled experience.

Idea 1: Establish a Routine (Include Some Fun)

This seems to always be the suggestion, and on paper, this sounds great, but how the heck do we do this, especially with the teenager? If your kids go to camp, this will help establish the routine, if your kids DO NOT, we must be creative here.

Try and be flexible: Summer is synonymous with freedom, and a bit of structure can help maintain a sense of balance, however, establishing a routine doesn’t mean there can’t be some flexibility. Include time for hobbies, outdoor activities, and REST or downtime. Try incorporating regular exercise which could include biking, playing a sport, walking as a family, or if your family is like mine, a lot of time swimming!

This is a perfect time to implement that weekly game night you have been thinking about all school year … just me?

Idea 2: Try New Activities as a Family

Create a summer bucket list where all individuals of the family contribute. Local Ideas could include visiting new parks, trying new recipes at home, going out to new restaurants, or learning a new skill together, such as painting or photography. Plan other day trips such as exploring nearby towns, hiking trails, or visiting local museums. For summer vacations, I suggest planning ahead to help facilitate some potential anxiety that could come along for the kids AND the parents!

Idea 3: Eating

This is personally where my anxiety and stress occur the most during the summer; how the heck do we feed everyone 3 meals a day, plus snacks, plus second dinners (my kids eat a lot!)? During COVID, my husband was home alone with both kids and developed a menu of options for breakfast and lunch. List these out on a whiteboard for all to see and that way as you run out of something, you can erase it! Have already prepared snacks available also – bonus if you put them out on a counter and visible! NO ONE can ever find anything in the pantry or fridge except for me (mom).

Just remember, not cooking every night and ordering out IS OKAY!

Idea 4: Foster Independence

Summer is a great time for teens to develop independence and responsibility.

· For Teens: Take up part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities. These experiences not only build resumes but also teach valuable life skills.

· For Families: Support your teen’s endeavors by helping them find suitable opportunities and encouraging their efforts. Allow them to take on more responsibilities at home to build their confidence and independence.

Idea 5: Prioritize Mental and Physical Health

Summer's relaxed pace is ideal for focusing on well-being.

• Practice self-care. This can include mindfulness activities like meditation, yoga, or journaling. Ensure to get plenty of sleep and maintain a healthy diet.

• Promote a healthy lifestyle: Preparing nutritious meals together, and doing family yoga sessions or evening walks together can be fun and beneficial.

Idea 6: Create Meaningful Connections

Summer provides ample time to strengthen relationships. Spend time with friends, but also take the opportunity to meet new people. Join clubs, attend camps, or participate in community events to expand social circles. Plan activities that involve extended family and friends. Hosting barbecues, picnics, or game nights can foster a sense of community and togetherness.

Idea 7: Unplug and Unwind

In a digital age, it’s important to disconnect from screens and connect with the world around us. Set aside specific times to unplug from devices and enjoy offline activities. Reading, crafting, or simply spending time outdoors can be refreshing. PARENTS - Lead by example. Establish tech-free zones or times in the house to encourage everyone to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other.

Idea 8: Reflect and Set Goals

Use the downtime summer offers to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future.

• For Kids: Reflect on achievements and challenges from the school year. Set personal goals for the upcoming year, whether academic, personal, or extracurricular.

• For Families: Have open discussions about goals and aspirations. Support each other in setting and achieving these goals, fostering a supportive family environment.

Transitioning to summer can be a smooth and enjoyable process with a little planning and a positive mindset. By establishing routines, planning adventures, fostering independence, prioritizing health, creating connections, unplugging, and setting goals, teens and families can make the most of this vibrant season.

Whatever your summer plans are, embrace the opportunities summer brings, create memories that will last a lifetime, but most of all enjoy the sunshine and have a fantastic summer!

RESOURCES

• Best Summer Family Vacations: https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-family-summer-vacations/

• 100 Fun Summer Activities for Kids and Parents: https://www.parents.com/summer-fun-activities-8600043

• 42 Summer Activities for Kids: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/kids-summer-activities

• Child Mind Institute (Mental Health) – Strategies for a Successful Summer Break: https://childmind.org/article/strategies-for-a-successful-summer-break/

• Attitude – Summer Learning Ideas for Kids with ADHD: https://www.additudemag.com/tag/summer/

• CHADD – Keep Summer Fun for Kids with ADHD: https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/keep-summer-fun-for-kids-with-adhd/