Summer is upon us! We are calling our summer theme “Sand, Sunnies, and Sandwiches” and inviting you to enjoy your child more this summer with Learn Forward.
Now is the perfect time to download your #LearnForward app with nourishment and inspiration to a focus on matters most and to fill your days with joy!
My inspiration for this summer theme comes from a summer years ago…
When it was just the big kids and me, I wanted to make the most of the great weather and the beauty of nature, but struggled with the juggle of work and play. Admittedly, I default to work. So, I started a little surprise tradition of grabbing sub sandwiches, a blanket and a frisbee, so the three of us could head down to the beach for a dinner picnic.
Eventually, we added members to our dear family, The Builder and G! We named our tradition “Sand, Sunnies, and Sandwiches.”
Life is complete when we are together with sand in our toes, sunglasses on our heads, and a sandwich in our hands!
So, it is with great pleasure that I introduce our summer blog and #LearnForward app series.
We can make everything fun this summer…
…even the work we need to do. Closeness and growing together knit worthiness into the heart of a child.
Don’t stop now! The report cards are present and summer invites growth! Let’s begin with the end in mind: independence.
Summer is a great time to Learn Forward, with sand in our toes…
…because responsibility grows in a cup of sunshine!
All of our amazing teachers are sending us home with ‘ways to support growth!’
Here are some ideas to build independence by establishing learning, chores, and the routines for each day:
- Create agreements. Choose only one or two areas of focus. Independent chores or responsibilities. Give your child lots of voice with open-hearted conversations to move your expectations into agreements. You are the parent, you know best. Include agreements about screen time. All children need support in monitoring screen time. It is best if both parents agree too. We discuss this at length in Nest-building for Families.
- Keep everything daily. Children thrive on routine. Whatever you do daily will result in the biggest change. Remember, the earlier we learn, the easier it is.
- Find a different approach, venue, or vehicle. Whistle while you work. Gamify anything you can. Incorporate movement or exercise. Make journaling or reading an activity for the outdoor hammock. Have fun in the kitchen! Cook and create together! Turn on music as the cue to do dishes. Make Pachelbel’s Canon in D the time allotted (6min) for getting dressed or completing a math drill. Be creative AND steadfast, certain of your goal to take new ground for independence.
- Every child needs to experience and cope with a rhythm of activity and quietness. We create harmony in the interplay of both. I fully support children doing chores, being active and full of vibrant play all day, and relishing in the the gorgeous outdoors. However, please remember, children also need quiet to integrate, regulate, and learn focus. Some need more than others to cope effectively. Create a rhythm to your days.
- Don’t give up when it falls apart. It will fall apart. Meet together, regroup, and move forward.
It all starts with belief. Independence and responsibility grow in a cup of sunshine.
Some quick questions:
- If you wrote a summer chore chart today, what two items would you choose for each child?
- In your experience, what are the easiest ways for you to hold your child accountable?
- What makes your child feel rewarded?
- Can you create a bucket list that helps you sustain motivation (ie. picking raspberries or going to waterslides)?
Do you want to connect with the research inspiring these Learn Forward ideas? Check out the Developmental-Relationships-Framework-Sept2014 from searchinstitute.com.
I am wishing you a summer of wonder…
Filled with deep connections with your child…
And high expectations for growth…
For the sake of the children,
Karine