You might be thinking that it’s already July and you’ve yet to put into place a summer learning schedule for your kids. Perhaps you had a solid plan that phased out only a few weeks into the summer break. Others might be feeling guilty for not even thinking about the summer slump, and back to school is right around the corner. Whatever your vibe, I want you to let it go.
I know, the pandemic put a lot of fear into the hearts of parents
Haven’t our kids “fallen behind” enough? Shouldn’t we all buckle down this summer. Bring on the workbooks, flashcards, apps, and science experiments? There’s no doubt some summer learning isn’t a bad thing, but with all we’re facing as parents, is informal summer school what we should prioritize doing with our kids?
The reality is that forcing our kids to learn on their break can cause them to resent learning. Plus, a lot of parents simply don’t make the best teachers. There’s a reason many of us choose to send our kids to school instead of homeschool. Though if homeschooling is your jam, it’s fine. But everyone deserves a summer break — homeschooling parents included.
I’m a former college teacher, and I watched some of my students never take a break. Most would quickly burn out. Instead of enjoying their educational journey, they pushed through, as hard and fast as possible — often sacrificing their mental, physical, and emotional health. I wish they would have learned the lesson (pun intended) earlier in their lives that it is OK to take academic breaks.
There’s a lot of value in slowing down and chilling out
Swimming is a wonderful gross motor activity, and if outside, offers up a healthy dose of vitamin D. Catching fireflies, playing on a baseball team, going on vacation, hanging out with cousins — these all have their perks. Kids learn social skills through many summer activities. These are just as worthy of attention as academic skills.
If your child is struggling in a particular academic area, it’s fine to have them do some practice throughout the summer — if it’s enjoyable and beneficial. Sometimes it’s worth it, if affordable, to hire someone do this with your child versus you being both parent and teacher. But if these aren’t in the cards for your family, exhale. It is fine.
My own four kiddos, ranging from 13 to 5, spend their summer on a variety of activities — emphasis on variety
My college students were often plagued by never being taught basic home skills, like how to do their laundry, clean, or prepare food. They arrived at college and were expected to function on their own. Every day, my kids do a chore — and these responsibilities rotate. They also have music practice and read. Luckily for us, they enjoy reading. The rest of our time is spent swimming, seeing friends, and relaxing.
Don’t you dare be tempted into what other parents may or may not be doing with their kids and summer learning. Everyone’s personalities, resources, and priorities are different.
Plus, look back on your summers as a kid. If it was full of happy memories, what did you do? What kind of summer do you want to give your children? What do they need in this season of their lives? Whatever answers you arrive at is what’s best for you and your family. Whatever this is, it is fine.
Don’t let the date on the calendar get to you, and please don’t try to cram learning in during these latter weeks of summer break. Teach your children this important lesson — that choosing to rest, play, and connect should be prioritized. This will serve them far better in life than an algebra lesson.
