You did it!!!
I hope your summer is filled with sun, warmth, and fun. You deserve it!
Before you get started, I want to encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect with your child on how you two (three, four...) worked together these last few months. I have a fun, coloring activity for you to help!
Why?! Because you've stretched yourself and grown so much. It's worth seeing how you've filled those little spaces and accommodated a whole new career (being a teacher!) while still doing all the many other duties of being a parent. I imagine your patience, skill in organizing and prioritizing, and communication have grown. I work with many perfectionistic parents... how did that attribute take a hit these last few months? Are you way more flexible now?
It's important to celebrate your own growth, and to really recognize the skills and resources you used to pull off these last few months. It's important that your child recognize it in themselves and you too. I bet they learned some things about how their brain learns. Many children I know have learned they need to get up and move more than they ever did at school. And they learn better because of it. Did your child learn how to manage their time and to interrupt you less? Maybe that's something they're still working on?? Or, maybe they learned that Mommy does really important things at her job. Or that she helps little brother too, so it's important to wait.
Too often I see parents rush into the next phase of life right after the last hurdle. This creates a sense of always trying to tread water. Pausing for reflection on our strengths and how we've grown helps us to mark the time, joy, achievement, giving us a sense of calm and satisfaction. Additionally this school year, many school celebrations have been cancelled or disrupted. So, yes, you are so key and important to helping your child with this step.
Watch the video for detailed instructions on the coloring activity, and Celebrate!!
Warmly,
Dr. Blevins
