NANA SAYS JUNE IS STRESSFUL FOR PARENTS

The end of the school year can be so stressful with all the graduations- Kindergarten to Grade 1, Grade 8 to High School, leaving High School and finalizing where post-High School studies will occur. The social functions- school events- fun days, parent-teacher meetings, pot luck get togethers and if there are children's birthdys in the mix- busy, busy times. Of course, all the dance recitals, pictures, preparation and then the big night for the dancers. Signing up for the summer sports- baseball, soceer, swimming. Can we car pool? Who do we know?If a summer vacation, trip, camp is being planned then where, when, who and for how long. What should be a joyful preparation for the relaxing summer ahead seems more stressful for many than the Christmas season. The pressure to have children in academic endeavors over the summer weighs heavily on parents' heads. Nana says less is more. Creative play is good for children's souls as well as parents. Spending time together with real dialogue works. Getting through the activities of June with some enjoyment should be the goal as we all head into the summer. Did you ever go out in a boat- canoe, rowboat, motorboat, sailboat- with a parent as a child and just relax, talk? Lots of supplies at home to supplement the organized camps and learning opportunites helps. I remember reading and doing things at my own speed. We camped in Algonquin Park so days of swimming, canoeing, exploring. As you organize your children's time, remember to organize down time. Experts say children lose skills over the summer-should you be fearful if the little one does not do structured math for two months well buy some activity books to take to the cottage, car rides and keep those experts at bay! My children took swimming lessons during the year so the summer was a time to go to the beach, pool and consolidate the skills learnt. If all activities are not planned by the middle of June, why not plan to see how the summer will evolve and flow with some creative in the moment planning. Are you enjoying the June activities? Are you feeling the pressure of the end of the school year? Go into child mode and have activities that can be enjoyed by all. Remember whose need is it to run from activity to activity! And remember grandparents can be a big help with sleepovers and taking children to some events.