Tuning in to Summer
From the Desk of Hope…
It seems like everywhere I go people (parents, grandparents, kids, teenagers, teachers etc) are eagerly talking about how happy they are that school is almost over and summer break is knocking at the door. I know in my own home, we are counting down! Summer is the time to enjoy a change of pace from the school year. It’s a time to focus on different interests or activities that you don’t have as much time for during the rest of the year.
Im my recent conversations, I have been “tuning in” to what people are saying about summer break. Here is what I am hearing….
Moms and Dads:
“I am so glad I don’t have to make lunches for a while”
“ I have some house projects I need to get done this summer.”
“This is going to be the summer I am going to get in shape”
“Homework has been horrible this year. I am so glad it is over.”
“Whew, I am ready for a slower pace and more time at the lake, beach etc.”
“No deadlines or dates to keep up with…”
“Summer is the time I like to connect with friends I can’t see during the busy school year.”
Teenagers:
“I am going to hang out with my friends every night of the week – everyday is a weekend day.”
“I can’t wait to stay up late and then sleep until noon each day”
“I need to work as much as possible to make spending money for college” (yay, for this one!)
“I am going to listen to my music a bunch…..make some mixed CD’s with my favorite music.”
“I like the summer because it is lighter outside longer”
“I love my summer clothes.”
Pre-teens:
“I am going to three camps this summer.”
“Sprinklers are the best. I can’t wait to run through them and also do the slip and slide.”
“I am going to chill out with my friends.”
“We are going to hang out at the mall.” (hmm..not sure about this one.)
“Our family bought season tickets to Wet and Wild Water Park.”
“I am going to create my own website” (impressive)
“I want to be lazy”
Did you make some connections with these comments? I did. What resonates with me is the joy and fun of summer. ( Now I am sure there were some negative comments, too. I wasn’t listening for those!)
Summer is the time for chilling out, not stressing out so kick your summer off the right way by finding some joy and having some fun! I have attached a couple of website that may be useful just in case you run out of ideas for keeping your kids busy.
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/summer/summer.htm
http://www.homeschool.com/articles/101ThingsToDoThisSummer/default.asp
Happy summer break!
Hope