A Potpourri of Thoughts, Goals, and Celebrations 

Written By Cherice Taylor

May's a whirlwind with Mother's Day, testing, and graduations – joy and stress mixed as the school year wraps up and big changes become visible. How do we, as families, navigate this and support our kids' emotions (and our own)? The million-dollar question, right?

Here are some quotes I find helpful in navigating the challenges and celebrations of May:

  • "Winning is a case of getting the best from yourself." – Colin Montgomerie

  • "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." – Albert Einstein

  • "Winning doesn't always mean being first. Winning means you're doing better than you've ever done before." – Bonnie Blair

  • "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." – Michael Jordan

Here are a few thoughts for parents this May:

A superintendent friend shared his top tip: understand Artificial Intelligence (AI). It's not just a buzzword, but a tool that's shaping the future. Know how your kids are using it. For college-bound students, discuss AI rules for assignments. Prompt Engineer is a real job! Many future careers don't even exist yet, so critical thinking and understanding AI's impact are key.

 

Chat with your kids about their goals, no matter their age. It's never too early to start thinking about the future. Explore future job trends (like top professions in 2030/2040) to connect their interests with potential careers. This proactive approach can help them make informed decisions about their future.

 

Parents of young adults (18+): Discuss medical powers of attorney. It's crucial to plan for unexpected health situations where they might not be able to speak for themselves. Be prepared.

 

Finally, let's take a moment to celebrate all accomplishments, big and small. Each step forward is a reason to be proud. It boosts self-esteem and strengthens bonds. Happy Mother's Day to all moms and mother figures! Congrats to all graduates, from Pre-K to Ph.Ds!

Cherice Taylor

Cherice Taylor, M.A. in Education Administration and Center Director at Sylvan Learning, is an experienced educator and community leader involved in the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. With a strong commitment to service and community improvement, she is a poet, mother of four, and advocates the philosophy of "Service Above Self."

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