4 Tips to Help Your Child Transition from the End of School to the Summer Holidays

​It has been 3 years since most kids in the GTA have had the full school year come to and end in-person and having a typical end of school wrap-up. There was an emotional and social impact during the years of the pandemic for children to not be able to say goodbye to friends and teachers in-person, missing the celebrations, and many other significant things that help a child bring the chapter of that school year to a close. Endings can have a different impact from child to child, and can be more difficult for some. When endings are supported and acknowledged for all they may bring, kids feel less alone in their feelings and experience, can feel more understood, and typically can regulate themselves better during a transition time. Below are 4 tips to help your child with the transition.

1. Countdown. Most kids at this point of the school year are asking, how many days are left of school? And they ask this each day. Having a physical calendar (either a free printed sheet of the month of June or another calendar in the home) can help your child to visually see how many days. Have the last day marked, and then have your child cross off the days so they see how many are remaining. This process helps the child to prepare themselves in stages and over a course of several days for an ending.
2. Acknowledging Feelings. It’s important to give space for all feelings that may arise with ending of school. Child may be proud of their accomplishments, worried about the next school year, or sad to not see their friends. When we acknowledge our children’s feelings they feel heard, validated and understood; and are more likely to hear anything else we may want to share with them.
3. Meaningful Way to Wrap Up the Year. Exploring with your child how they want to mark the ending of the school year. This may be a special occasion on the last day or the day after the last day, making thank you card or gift for their teacher, a special get together with friends, or bringing something to share with the class (depending on school regulations).
4. Highlight the Things to Look Forward to in the Summer. Set aside time with your child in the coming week to talk about what the family summer plans are and any camps the child may attend, and map this out on a calendar. Explore with them if there is anything special they may want to do, like a trip to the beach or flying a kite together (here is a list of 100 summer ideas https://thecraftingchicks.com/100-ideas-for-summer-fun/). Once a few ideas have been discussed invite your child to write or draw about the things they are looking forward to the most, allow your child time to share after, and ask your child where they would like to keep it or potentially put it up in their room.

If you need additional support feel free to reach out, and you can also book an initial consult directly though  https://oab.owlpractice.ca/mindfulhealingjourney/booking
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