Parents Education Corner: Making the Most of the Holiday Season

Making the Most of the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, offering a unique opportunity to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and strengthen the bonds that matter most. While it is a time for celebration, it is also the perfect moment to foster deep connections and reinforce lifelong learning—especially with our senior family members.

For parents and caregivers, the break is an ideal time to support your child’s educational journey in a low-stress environment. If you are looking for guidance on everything from early literacy to high school preparation, the National PTA Family Guides (found at https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Family-Guides) are an invaluable resource. These tools offer expert advice tailored to every age group, helping you nurture your child’s growth both in and out of the classroom.

Beyond academics, use this time to bridge the generational gap. Our senior family members hold a wealth of history and perspective waiting to be shared. Encourage your children to conduct a "Family Interview" this season. Here are a few great questions to spark conversation:

  • What was elementary school like for you?

  • Were you involved in any clubs or athletic programs?

  • Did you know your grandparents, and what were they like?

  • Did you have a job in high school?

  • What were your biggest dreams as a teenager?

  • What are your all-time favorite songs?

  • Do you know how to jump rope?

  • How did you meet your spouse or partner?

  • Do you still write in cursive?

Whether you are exploring new academic goals or uncovering stories from the past, this season offers a rare gift: time together. Use it to learn from one another, strengthen your family’s foundation, and create memories that will last long after the holidays fade.

Cherice Taylor

Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor's degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.

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