Summertime!
by Lisa Lewis, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern

SUMMERTIME! And the living is easy…well, sometimes. From a parent’s viewpoint there are many benefits to the summer schedule. No more need to make lunches, monitor homework, carpool to as many activities, cajoling kids to get up in the mornings…as well as, kids with lots of extra time, continuous grazing through the refrigerator, extra friends around and no need for schedules. The reality of this time is that it is a transition for everyone. Parents and kids alike are facing a change in many different areas. For some kids, it’s the leaving of one school to go on to another, for some it means friends moving from the area, for others it could mean a job for the summer that creates a different set of friends. It is important to recognize that change is often healthy and refreshing and we need to acknowledge that it can be a challenge. If you notice more emotional swings in your child (or in you) recognize that it may be due to the change that is inevitable at this time of year. Graduations and movement to the next grade provides excitement and opportunities for growth and it also contains some feelings of loss for what was. As parents, let’s remember that we are all in this together and invite your child to talk about what else might be going on for them at this time. It is also important, and good modeling, to share with our children what our real feelings are about change and the mixed responses that we may have. Enjoy this time, celebrate your child’s accomplishments, and live easy!