06/02/2022
Hear me out on this one-- many of your kids are actually NERVOUS about summer. I know... it sounds weird, but as much as many of them are looking forward to a break, summer also comes with a lot of anticipation and uncertainty.
Whether they're heading off to high school next year or just heading into a new year of middle school, the subtext of summer is that change is coming.
Throughout the year they've put their hearts into building routines & finding support systems at school; the fast approach of summer, while exciting, also comes with the knowledge that everything they've built:
1. won't be available to them every day
2. may look very differently when they start school in the fall
So, how can we help? Acknowledge that it's okay to not be as excited about summer as we 'should be,' and gameplan with them on how to help them feel ready for the upcoming year. Anticipation is often as much nervousness as it is excitement.
If you can, giving them a voice in what things they feel are important to make happen over summer. Establish some consistent routines, so they know what to expect from their days.
And, if you know they've been a counseling office regular, you might make sure that they still have spaces they feel safe to rant and process the toughness & uncomfortableness of being a pre-teen (or teen) human. Whether that's through planned friend time, trusted relatives, or even an outside counselor.
Your children are spectacular. I am once again so so happy to be here during the school year to help them do their best to 'soar hawks soar.' And so, I'm wishing you all you lovely people, an equally lovely summer! 💙💛
