Early Summer at Home

Emily’s Real Talk

“One of my kids is very sensitive to change. From the time when he was a toddler, the seasons, holidays, end of school, beginning of school year, or a new teacher, were all hard for this guy. It’s hard to recognize and name this kind of thing when you are in the moment.  I remember struggling one year in the first few weeks of summer break. I couldn't understand why he was so mad, not listening, sassy, sad, etc. My first reaction was one of disbelief and frustration; was he not getting everything that was “fun”? No school, visiting the ice cream truck, engaging camp, swimming, and staying up late wasn’t enough? 

Sometimes when you are in it, it’s hard to see the obvious pattern.  It was the next summer that I finally tuned in to the pattern and got more curious. From that point on, I have been more thoughtful and aware of what I plan for him during transition times and, more importantly, I am more understanding and flexible. For example, I plan the end of the school year and the first weeks of summer with him, so he has some control and also has a clear idea of what's to come. 

Amy’s Real Talk

“ Working on a school calendar means that at some point in June, my work schedule changes dramatically. After months of leaving very early and not being around in the mornings, I start to become a more leisurely mom, hanging out at the house and being there in the morning. This has always been a point in the year when my kids get tripped up. While I am excited to be home and seeing them out the door (something I typically never got to do), they are completely thrown out of sorts. It was frustrating that I would be so happy to be there, and they were not matching my vibe - they would act out, push back, play sick, and resist going to school. Of course, eventually, we recognized the pattern and leaned into embracing it. I stated the obvious to name it: Mom is home, and they wanted to be home. I sometimes made myself scarce in the mornings so things could feel more normal (hello, walk with a friend!) Other times we made a plan that eased the transition, like me driving them to school or making plans for after school. Even with really big kids this can still be a tricky time for us. But we know it and we keep going.”