I am pretty sure it was still August when my daughter announced how excited she was that it was “fall.” She talked about making pumpkin bread and pulling out the Halloween decor. As I wiped the sweat off my forehead and turned the A/C down another degree, I reminded her that not only was it not fall, we hadn’t even made it past Labor Day, meaning it was still legal to wear white, not to mention, it was still pushing 100 degrees outside. After some negotiation, she conceded to wait until the first official day of fall, September 22.
I can’t blame her, though. I love the fall season too! After this super-hot summer, just dreaming about cooler days spent working on my front porch swing with a hot cup of coffee and a slice of her pumpkin bread makes me smile.
What are some traditions your family enjoys this time of year? It doesn’t have to be a holiday to celebrate a season. As Shannon Dean shares in “Pumpkins, Pancakes & Pajamas: Creating Meaningful Family Rituals This Fall,” there are so many simple ways to celebrate fall while spending quality time together and creating memories along the way.
Speaking of fall traditions, as we do every October, this issue includes our annual Fall Festival Directory! Inside, you’ll find events for all ages, from adorable pumpkin patches for the littles to scarier adventures for those who dare. Whatever you choose to add to your calendar, take lots of photos, have fun, and make memories you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Of course, while watching a scary movie or visiting a haunted house might naturally create a little anxiety, some children experience those same feelings during everyday situations. It’s natural for a child to hesitate when meeting new people or trying something new, but how does a parent know the difference between a normal, healthy response and a child who may be struggling with anxiety? In “Anxiety Disorders in Children: What Parents Need to Know,” Katy M. Clark shares her very personal experience with her daughter’s anxiety diagnosis and offers insight for other parents navigating similar concerns.
And as we settle into fall, we know the busy holiday season isn’t far behind. Family gatherings, parties, and social events will soon begin filling our calendars. I love that Shannon Dean is helping us plan ahead and be proactive about teaching our kids how to put their best foot forward in age-appropriate ways. In The Gift of Good Manners: Preparing Your Child for Holiday Gatherings and Beyond, Dean shares specific activities, exercises and conversation starters that can help children practice good manners now, before the holiday whirlwind begins.
While it may not be quite cool enough for hot coffee on the porch swing just yet, I know those days are right around the corner. So pull out the boots, bake up some pumpkin bread and fill your calendars with fun fall activities because it’s Officially Fall, Y’all!
