Well, that happened fast. Seems just like yesterday, I was picking up my girls from their last day of school and heading down to the beach. Where does the time go? Now it’s just hot and our routine has been completely upended. Every year this happens and I can’t help but laugh.
As parents, Annie and I do our best to keep our kids active in camps, outdoor activities, and more, but we always seem to end up here – off balance and in need of some centering. While the summer has been amazing and somewhat restful, I think we are all eager to get back to the school routine.
So how do we get back on track? I think it starts with baby steps and easy wins. Low-hanging fruit, if you will. Remember, getting back on schedule is much harder than getting off. Patience and kindness are your friends.
If possible, I would recommend trying to implement school-year parameters before the summer officially ends. While weekends and summers can be a free-for-all, we try to limit screens during the school year. Also, my girls can really sleep in, so in advance of the 7 a.m. wake-up call that comes with school being back in session, I’d recommend trying to prepare your children for what’s coming by waking them up a little earlier each day starting in late July.
And then there’s food choices. Something about summer means a more loosey-goosey diet, which in moderation can be okay, but let’s try and bring back some fruits and vegetables and put an emphasis on staying hydrated in this brutal heat and humidity. Is it fall yet?
There’s no magic bullet here folks. We are all trying to do our best to navigate the summer and make school reentry as stress-free as possible. Most of us are working during the summer, trying to fit in family vacations and schedule all the doctor visits, so it’s absolutely normal to feel a tad bit overwhelmed with this jarring transition. Just thinking about it can create anxiety.
For me, when summer comes, I’m relieved. It’s a nice break from the daily grind of dropping off and picking up kiddos. I’m the taxi in our family — as my wife is a teacher — and enjoy the flexibility I have as a small business owner. I’m glad to do it because it gives me additional time with my girls, but I also like the extra chill that comes with those first days of summer. It’s not like it goes away completely, as my children have social lives, and not to mention camps and other activities.
Saying goodbye to summer is bittersweet, but I’m heartened by all the fun stuff that comes with school being back in session. Good luck!
Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and two dogs Chalupa and Delilah.