Here in southwest Florida, we are halfway through our summer break. It’s been 6 weeks of no school, can you believe that we are only 5 weeks away from the start of a new school year? I didn’t put my children into summer camp and so far all has worked out, but I bet these next few weeks will drag by. The first 6 weeks flew by due to having constant visitors flying in, a mini vacation we took and days off we had planned. The kids have had a blast but before they know it, it will be back to school time. No wonder target had back to school supplies already set up this weekend. In order to make sure the kids don’t forget about school work, they’re working on summer books to stay “in touch” or avoid the infamous summer slide. My son, who is going to 3rd grade, is entering a whole new ball game; you know the one where it’s now about FCAT testing, etc. I am trying to make sure he stays on track with summer reading and math practice because I don’t want him to have a difficult time readjusting to school. But it sure hasn’t been easy.
With my daughter entering kindergarten, those were the good old days right? Wrong, a new school, a big school, starting all over again leaving my baby to fend for herself in a school of hundreds. Trusting new teachers to take good care of them both, wondering how in the world she’ll do adjusting to a school cafeteria and getting her own lunch. She’s so tiny, how will she manage the tray? How many of us wish we could work in the school to see our babies? I am grateful for my mom who has been watching the kids 3 and a half days a week. I am thankful that school is almost here actually? Are you missing the routines, the early bed times? I don’t know about you but the day after school ended, it was free for all on bedtime.
With no plans for day trips or any more getaways, the kids tried to give me a little guilt trip this week.
“Mom, I’m bored, we don’t go anywhere” (Aren’t you tired from the past 6 weeks of beaches, road trip, water park, zoo, boat riding, birthday parties, etc? Is that a distant memory, already?!)
“Mom, why do I have to read, you’re mean!” (Really kid?)
“Mom, I don’t want you to leave, please don’t go to work!” (uuggghhh, tug at my heart with a knife will ya?)
I’ve started meditating and try to get the kids to join me once in a while. I remind them to be grateful and thankful for all we’ve already done and point out that we don’t have to be constantly doing something! As I try to be more present, I try to teach them this as well. I think we’ll clean out closets, make sure to get back on track with daily reading and every other day homework. We’ll enjoy the pool at home and watch lots of family movies. The fact is, I have to work, so we make due with the time we have. Soon we’ll be tied up in sports and dance and this summer will be a distant memory. What are you going to be doing the rest of this summer, let’s talk!
