The end of summer is much more than ending a well-deserved vacation. Assumes initiate changes in our routines, and as you already know, all variation supposes some other alteration in our children. It is not easy to adapt to new schedules, to responsibilities and to readjust our leisure moments with school obligations.
However, far from seeing it as a problem, we must approach it as a challenge. It is a more than adequate opportunity to promote maturity and responsibility in our children, it is a moment where they learn to manage interesting dimensions that will be helpful to the entire family. In "Madres Hoy» we invite you to put them into practice.
Changes can be prepared in advance
We cannot ignore that the end of summer and its consequent changes in routine, they are going to create stress for all of us. To big and small. It is time to return to our usual residence in case we have been away, we must return to work, and leave the subject of books, materials and school uniforms ready.
Now, keep in mind that suffering a little stress these days is normal. Stress it's a natural reaction that alerts us to a "possible threat or danger." As long as this sensation is punctual and we control it properly, we can take advantage of it.
We explain how:
We must be good foresighted: that is, it's not worth leaving everything for the last moment. Therefore, it would be appropriate for us to have solved, e.g., most of the aspects prior to going back to school.
To face the entrance to school, work and routine in general, it would be appropriate that a week before we were already changing habits.
It is important prepare children for such variations in routine. Inform them of what their schedules will be, what you and the rest of the family members are going to do.
Change is for everyone, and children must feel integrated into that balance. You have to make them participate.
Changes are good, they "make us responsible"
We must be aware that the life of a child, like that of any other person, will be full of constant changes.
We, as mothers, would like to build for them a linear existence without any risk, without alterations that would disturb their tranquility. But then, we would not be educating "for life", but for an ideal world that at the moment, is not possible.
Be their example, act optimistically and calmly
Back to school, for example, is that poster that par excellence, announces the end of summer. And it does not matter how old your child is, for every child or adolescent, it is a source of emotions, either positive or even threatening.
We must serve as an example, and for this, it is important that during these days act normal and above all with optimism:
For most children, the year starts now. Their life is going to be delimited through school years rather than calendar years, hence they see September with a mixture of anxiety that they do not quite know how to define.
Do not sanction their nerves, or laugh at their fears. It is not pedagogical or emotionally healthy, since with this, what we achieve is to mark distances.
Motivate, accept your emotions, whatever they are. If it is your child's first school year, it is better to avoid expressions such as "Don't be afraid" or "nothing will happen to you",Focus your words only towards positive affirmations: "You are going to have a great time", "You are going to make a lot of friends", "You are going to be brave and Mom is going to be proud of you."
The college entrance process must take place weeks before. How? Getting familiar with his backpack, his school supplies, his books ...
Show them that they have good skills to face any challenge. That changes make us stronger, and that even though it is normal and understandable to be afraidIt is a sensation that will not last long.
When the end of summer is a source of sadness
Keep in mind that not all children are the same, and that you yourself will sometimes be amazed by how different the brothers are from each other.
It may be that your children, especially if they are in puberty or adolescence, that end of summer is something rather traumatic. Especially if it means having to say goodbye to new friends made during the summer. They are very common situations that we must know how to manage
Don't just force him to "close the page." Do not tell him that they are friends that he will never see again or that "now it's time to think about school." Children's lives and the way they deal with these types of emotions can be more intense than we think. Respect their feelings.
However, we are clear that it is not appropriate to let them withdraw into themselves, and that they come to hate us for favoring this "summer separation." The best thing is to act with subtlety, and understanding. Tell your child not to lose contact with those friends, to talk on Skype, to maintain the relationship.
Make that separation hope for a reunion, but at the same time, make it clear that change is necessary, that now it's time to focus our lives on our responsibilities. Because we all have them at home, from adults to children.
Let's talk about new purposes
As we have indicated before, the beginning of the school year is for children start a new stage in their lives. So, if we usually do the same at Christmas, why not set a series of resolutions for ourselves, also coinciding with the end of summer?
It is a good idea that it will help us to:
Motivate children and do them partakers of their own purposes, and in turn of ours.
Release tension and stress.
Approach the beginning of the course as something positive.
Unite family ties.
The way in which we should put this into practice simple exercise For it to have authentic significance, it is as follows:
Use a blackboard, or a cardboard that we will hang in a visible place in the house.
Every member of the family write your purposes, but at the same time, it will also reflect what you would like the rest to achieve.
In your case, as a mother, the example would be the following: I set my goals to learn how to make that cake that my daughter loves so much, and to get a promotion at work. At the same time, I would like Dad to take us more on trips on weekends, and for my daughter to improve in reading and writing, every day more happy.
Nothing happens if children start by saying absurd purposes, accept that there are moments of laughter and relaxation. However, in the end those wishes should be reflected, and children should visualize it on said card.
Make sure that the purposes that you mark them as parents are not too threatening, or that they create anxiety (I want my son to get an A in math).
It is simply motivate, encourage, bond. Hence the need to also include emotional or affective dimensions: I want him to give me more hugs, I want him to remain just as handsome, to make many friends ... etc.
The end of summer is a good time to grow up, stick together and take on challenges. Enjoy your children.
