Great ideas for end-of-summer fun!

Posted on August 22, 2010 by viviankirkfield

We just got back from a five-day vacation in the mountains of Colorado. The weather was perfect. The fishing was great. The cabin was outfitted with everything you could need…even a flat-screen TV which we never turned on because we were too busy during the day having fun outdoors and too tired at night to even want to watch anything. Cell phones don’t work there and we didn’t bring the computer. And I began to realize how life was like in the days before TV and computers and phones. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the technology that allows each of us to know what is going on in the world the moment it happens. But it made me more aware of how much closer a family could be if they were more isolated from all that is happening out there or if they made an effort to spend time together without the distractions that usually keep us going in different directions.

So here’s a list of a few great ideas for end-of-summer fun that might possibly bring your family closer together and won’t cost a fortune:

Go camping…even for the day…but overnight, if possible. Rent equipment or borrow it from friends if you don’t already have what you would need.
Check out local parks, museums and art galleries. Some are free and many have special deals for families. You might even purchase a museum membership that entitles your family to special museum privileges during the year.
Have an end-of-summer get-together. If your child is going to school (or nursery school or daycare) this year, see if you can find out who will be in his/her class or group. Invite the children and their parents…what an awesome way to help your child start the year already knowing some of his classmates. The get-together can be a pot-luck with everyone bringing something to eat so that the burden of food is not all on you. Also, have each family bring a favorite game…there will certainly be plenty to do. Take lots of pictures and have your child help you make a collage or album of this special day. He/she can bring it to school for show-and-tell…great for a child who is anxious about the first day of school…something like BILLY AND THE BIG NEW SCHOOL by Laurence and Catherine Anholt.
Plan to have dinner together as a family, if possible. And please, turn the TV off and don’t answer the phone if it rings 🙂

That’s it…just a few simple suggestions…hope they help you end the summer on a high note and begin the school year in a positive way.

Why are parents anxious about sending their children to school?

Posted on August 1, 2010 by viviankirkfield

For the past couple of days, I’ve been sharing my thoughts about the 1st day of school and how to help your child with any fears or anxieties he may have.

But, what about your fears and anxieties? Many of you have concerns about your child attending school and the concerns can mushroom as your child gets older. That’s probably why many parents are turning to homeschooling in recent years. According to an article in USA Today (1/2009) based on a government survey, homeschooling increased 74% from 1999 to 2007.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-01-04-homeschooling_N.htm

So, what are some of the top fears and concerns you may have about sending your child off to her first day of school?

Your child may be bullied or hurt by other children.
Your child may be made fun of because of his name, appearance, or style of speech or clothing.
The teacher may not be structured enough or may be too structured or may not understand your child or may not be attentive enough to your child.
There may be unsafe conditions at the school.
Your child may be in an accident traveling to or from school whether he walks, takes the bus or is driven by you or another adult.
Your child may hear things or be taught things that are not acceptable in your home.
Your child may be afraid or too shy to speak up for herself (to ask to use the bathroom or if she needs something).
Your child may not “fit” in.
Your child may reveal a family secret or personal information.
You may miss your child.

The key word in each concern is MAY….we are worrying about possibilities, not actualities. Tomorrow I plan to blog about some steps you can take (other than keeping your child at home) that address many of these concerns and may alleviate some of your anxieties.

Also, I’m sure there are other concerns that I haven’t mentioned. Why not post a comment and share yours?

Are YOU anxious about your child’s 1st day of school?

Posted on July 31, 2010 by viviankirkfield

Yesterday, I blogged about the fears and anxieties young children have about starting school and how you can help your child approach the first day of school with eager anticipation.

How about YOU? What feelings do you have about your child starting school? Happiness? Sadness? Fear? Relief? Anxiety? Or a combination of all of those.

In SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING, I point out that we help build our children’s self-esteem when we acknowledge and accept their feelings, both positive and negative. This principle holds true for you as well. It will help to acknowledge and accept the way you feel about this new stage in your child’s life. Once you do that, you can think about why you feel the way you do and work towards resolving any negative emotions you have.

What are the top 10 fears parents have about sending their children off to school? I’ll post a list tomorrow.