School’s
end a time to reaffirm children’s accomplishments
By Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe, MD, FAAP
Your Kid’s
Health,
The
Salem News
June 3, 2003
The end of a
school year is always bittersweet. We’ve
proud to have survived another school year,
complete with triumphs, disappointments,
and carpools. Yet there is some sadness
saying goodbye to familiar routines and
faces, and a bit of fear wondering what
the next year will bring. The older the
child, the more deeply these pangs may be
felt. Some also have a bit of trepidation
for what the next school year will bring
even before the current year has concluded.
Your child’s teacher will likely give
the class a glimpse of the next year by
talking to the kids, reading stories, and
even meeting the teachers they may have.
Opening day jitters are common as the next
school year approaches. Relating stories
about your schooldays – complete with
tears and butterflies – can be very
reassuring to a child. When in doubt, try
a big hug.
The end of
each school year is a graduation of sorts
regardless of the grade. Celebrations and
end of the year events help children feel
proud of the year they have and embrace
how much they have achieved. And, they do
wonders for warding of the letdown and blues
that endings always seem to bring. Regardless
of any rocky points, hurdles or obstacles
your child may have faced, the end of the
school year is a wonderful opportunity for
you to really let your child know you are
proud of their efforts – no matter
what.
Do you remember the American Academy of
Pediatrics “tips for a Healthier New
Year” from January? With 2003 nearly
half over, let’s revisit these briefly:
Can you believe we’ve covered so much
ground in such a short amount of time? Please
remember that this column is for you so feel
free to write or email me with any questions
or ideas you have for topics.
Of all these important ideas, #11 is still
the most important in the end. Especially
during times of personal transitions and intense
world events, #11 is really all our children
need from us and what will refuel them to
keep on plugging away at whatever they try
in the future. This is the real glue for our
families.
What is truly amazing is how little time it
really takes from us to show our children
how much we love and value them. Sometimes
it’s just a matter of not checking email
or answering the phone – or giving them
a few minutes of undivided attention. Recently
my oldest daughter and her friend made up
a dance that they insisted on showing it to
me even though we were running a few minutes
late for ballet class. I agreed, resisting
the temptation to shoo them in the car. Laughter
filled the room as they danced and before
long I was laughing too. The dance was a bit
silly but their energy and laughter made it
a masterpiece – and my proud reaction
put a bounce in my daughter’s step for
the rest of the day!
Here’s to a summer filled with great
times and much laughter!
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