Another school year is in the books, which means there are moms everywhere realizing their sweet little babies are growing up. Some parents may have just watched their babies graduate from preschool, knowing they are heading to “big school” in the fall, and others are watching their teens graduate and head out into the world. It does not matter if your child is moving up to grade school, middle school, high school or college, whatever stage is next for your kiddo, it can be an emotional time.
As parents, it is natural for us to question, “Is my child ready?” “Have I prepared them for what’s ahead?” This is especially true if you are getting ready to watch your child fly from the nest. Practically speaking, there are many things we can do to help older teens prepare to go out into “the real world”. Things like learning how to do their own laundry should certainly be on that list, along with a few other things you may not have thought of.
Fortunately, Kerrie McLoughlin has put together a great piece for those of us with teens titled, 10 Things Kids Should Know Before Heading to College This Fall. Depending on how many chores your child currently does, there may be some obvious things you can check off your list, but there are definitely some items that had not occurred to me before reading this article. Try as we may, I don’t know that there is any way to completely prepare them for every circumstance and change that is ahead, but we can do our best. We can share our experiences, make sure they know that we are always here to listen and to help whenever needed, and of course, cover them in prayer.
As important as it is for our children to have friends and family to walk alongside them through life changes, it is equally as important for us moms and dads to find our groups. Sometimes finding your squad falls into place naturally through neighbors, church and other activities. At times though, it can be more difficult, especially if you are going through life changes such as a move or a new job. Even having children at different life stages can make sharing experiences less effective. However, there are ways we can make finding our group, and realizing all the potential of that group, easier. Sarah Lyons shares insight in her article, The Importance of Finding Your Crew. Finding friends who will always be there for you… to listen, to encourage and, of course, to laugh with can make a world of difference.
Once you have taught your teen to check her oil, and your younger child how to pack his own lunch (or maybe not), then it is time to gather your friends and family and head out for some summer fun! Living on the Gulf Coast there is no shortage of fun to be had. In this issue, we have assembled our annual Summer Fun Activity Guide and it is filled with boredom busters and memory making activities to fill your summer calendar come rain or shine! Make sure you also check out our Family Calendar for even more events.
Wishing you and your family a spectacular summer!
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Gulf area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
