I can still remember sitting in class, counting down the days, then minutes until the last school
bell rang. That feeling of accomplishment, exhilaration and freedom was like no other. Ahh…
summertime! For many children, this is what they’ve been looking forward to all year.
For some families, summers can arrive like songbirds on wings of relief and anticipation. June,
July and August can positively glow with the promise of play and relaxation for kids who have
waited all year for warmer days without homework to arrive, along with visits from grandma and
grandpa, friends and relatives.
Transitioning to a summer schedule does not have to be difficult. You and your child’s natural
sleep/wake cycle is already used to getting up at a certain time in order to attend school.
Deviating too far from their regular sleeping hours will only make it more difficult for them (and
you) to get back into a routine when school starts again.
One option that many working families utilize are summer programs. If I reflect on my own
childhood memories, these were some of the most memorable days! Summer programs can
provide families with high quality enrichment activities while children are out of school and
parents continue to work. The key to a smooth transition is planning ahead and being
structured.
If you are able to be home this summer and spend time with your children, get out your calendar
and plan accordingly. Some families are able to go away for several weeks on vacation while
others are not. Whichever the case may be, it’s wise to set a summer schedule. Everyone functions best
when there is an established routine in place.
As parents, it’s easy to be distracted by all of the details of your life, however, nothing is more
important than the care and nurturing of your children. This is why family day-trips or beach/park
days are so important.
Time spent together and shared experiences are memories that will later prove to be priceless.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun. Pack some sandwiches, drinks and visit a
park or beach. As you walk with your children, talk to them and show them how big and vast the
ocean is – and that God created it all. Pick up the grains of sand and talk to them about how
God knows the exact number of how many pieces of sand there are. Watch their little eyes
widen with wonder!
Dig your toes into the sand and feel the warmth; or as the waves recede, try and find sand
crabs. At the park, see how many varieties of colors you can find. Teach them how to find
shapes in clouds, or at night, to look at the stars.
Summer provides children the time to explore the beauty of nature, to play and develop their
social skills, to imagine and pretend, to grow their fascination, and to create lasting memories
that they will cherish for a lifetime.
Without proper planning none of us would not be ready to face life’s challenges. “The plans of
the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 However, with a
little bit of planning, you can create a smooth and joyful transition from school to summer and
experience your best summer ever!
Warm Regards,
Christy Demetriades, Ph.D.
