As the end of summer nears, parents and families are quickly revisiting conversations about school. For many, maybe your family included, the previous school year was, well, different. Online learning, virtual playdates, parking lot graduations, cancelled sports games – different may be an understatement. So, let’s sit with that for a minute… How would you describe the experience?
- Disappointing
- Confusing
- Interesting
- Stressful
- Scary
- Exhausting
- Frantic
- Frustrating
- Sad
- Exciting
- Surprising
- All of the above…
Wow, that’s a lot. And I’m sure you could even add more than what I’ve got listed. The fact of the matter is that school this past spring was a challenge. For some of you reading this, looking back may conjure up some of those overwhelming feelings again. It may make you dread the uncertainty of this school year. Ok, take a deep breath. In (1, 2, 3, 4) Out (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Here’s what I want to remind you of – you did it. It was hard and messy, and yet you did it! I want you to recall the resiliency and grit that got you through those last few weeks of the school year. When we reflect on our experiences, we’re able to assess what worked and didn’t work. Doing so helps us prepare for what lies ahead.
- What did you and your family do well during that time?
- What would you like to do differently?
- Who did you have for support?
- Who do you want to enlist for help this time?
- How will you commit to taking care of yourself? (you know, like taking a shower)
Listen, you’re doing an amazing job. You really are, and here’s how I know it – you’re reading a blog entry on a counseling site. This tells me that you’re searching for solutions and you’re invested in positive outcomes. I’d love to be a part of your support team and walk with you through this season as part of my counseling with parents or working with your whole family. If you need some validation, let me do that real quick – this is hard. 100% hard. Yet somehow you have done hard things – you’re amazing.
For more support check out the School Support Program or counseling with parents services. Click here to schedule an initial consultation with me and get started today!
To learn more about the author, Kathy Simmons – click here.