Are You Dreading the Summer Break?
Are we all singing “Happy Holidays,” on this last week of June? In the schoolyard I see a few Moms with anxious faces worried they haven’t booked enough activities to keep the kids entertained or educated. Anxiety over cost of keeping the kids in camps with their friends. So many emotions. Preparing for the end of the school year as a parent involves a combination of organizational strategies and emotional support. Here are some tips to help you and your littles transition smoothly into the summer break:
1. Gear Check: Replenish your child’s school supplies if needed. A fresh set of crayons, pencils and markers or notebooks can help them stay motivated until the last day. Incentives to keep them engaged and writing can be filling an empty jar with Hershey kisses or nickels. Once the writing task is completed, they get a treat from the jar! Make sure your sports equipment is up to standard as well; bike helmets fit well.
2. Set the Bar and Lead: Positive attitude checking your worries at the door. Avoid speaking negatively about school-related activities, as children often mirror their parents’ sentiments. When you feel overwhelm, check in to a Reiki session to some rest and relaxation.
3. Routine: Regular bedtimes help children stay focused and manage end of year activities. This doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible and stay up and extra hour for fireworks – remember, routine has to flow and suit your family best.
4. Set Goals: Work with our child to set achievable goals. Goal charts and stickers are ideal for keeping track of everything from reading to soccer goals! Can they read two books a week? Practice the keyboard ten minutes a day
5. Try Something New: Summer camps to support new ideas and growth are wonderful opportunities for your child to grow and release energy. Let it go with REIKI offers several courses throughout the summer for Moms and their children to explore Reiki together. We are planning to showcase new music and activities to the littles and are grateful for ActiveParents for best things to do with kids in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara. We have plans to attend the Festivals and Mapleview Apple Kindness Storybook time. Hope to see you there! You can find info listings with ActiveParents here.
6. Volunteer Work: If you have tweens or teens, encourage them to look for jobs or volunteer opportunities to empower their self-esteem. This teaches responsibility and the value of hard work.
7. Emotional Support: Recognize that the end of the school year can be a stressful time. Be there to listen and provide support as your child navigates through exams and farewells. Children benefit from Reiki to deal with their big feelings and release all that doesn’t serve them well. Would you like to customize a Reiki session together with your child; contact Reiki Master Calah directly to make arrangements over zoom or in-person in Burlington, Ontario. Or, take the new "Reiki for Kids" course together and learn new life skills to cope with big feelings and a new school year.By staying organized, maintaining a positive outlook, and accepting and providing support, you can help your child finish the school year strong and look forward to a productive, fun summer. You’ve got this! Have your best summer ever! With love, Calah xo