Embracing the Summer Before Kindergarten

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It’s so true what they say about having children: the days are long, but the years are short. I remember thinking as a sleep-deprived new mom, that I couldn’t wait until my daughter would be old enough to start elementary school. I thought I would be elated to have my days back, to feel less like her personal assistant. Yet, here we are, the summer before and I am dreading it. She is growing into an independent individual, ready to take the next step. So how are we spending this summer? Rather than diving into worksheets and flashcards; worrying about losing all the learning she did in pre-K, we are embracing the summer before kindergarten.

Play, play, and more play.

When I’m not working, I am sitting down and playing with her. Her latest obsession is Sonic, so she happily pretends that the figurines are zipping around saving the massive Lego city she has built. I let her wear tutus all day and we have endless tea parties.

Swim, bike, and just be outside.

We have always been a fairly active family, but I think we have taken it up a notch this summer – taking every chance we have to take her fishing, biking, and swimming. I’m reminded of her growing independence as she reminds me that I no longer need to be next to her because she can swim like a big kid.

Show extra love and attention.

We know the day is coming when she will venture out with her friends and won’t need her parents as much anymore. But I am relishing the moments this summer, when she wants to sit in my lap to watch a movie. I give her extra hugs and I listen to all her seemingly never-ending stories.

We don’t have anything too fancy planned for this summer other than a couple weeks at various summer camps. But we are embracing this summer before kindergarten by encouraging more play, outside time, and just extra love before she ventures off to the next step in life.


Do you have any little ones entering Kindergarten this year? How are you spending it?

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