Parents Education Corner: Swing the Bat. It’s Not Too Late.
School's out, the final bell has rung, and the lazy days of summer have officially arrived. But as you glance around at your kids, a familiar thought might creep in: are they truly destined for a summer of endless lounging and inactivity? As you navigate your own daily routine of work and household responsibilities, the contrast can be stark. A casual "What have you been up to today?" might be met with a nonchalant "Just relaxing" or "Nothing much yet."
We all understand the need for a break, a chance to exhale after a potentially challenging school year. Rest is essential, a well-deserved reward for their hard work. Yet, life continues its relentless rhythm, doesn't it? How do we strike that delicate balance between providing our students with the downtime they need and equipping them for the ever-evolving landscape that awaits them after high school?
The answer, in short, is action. They need to step up to the plate and swing the bat. It doesn't necessarily mean hitting a grand slam every time, but it absolutely means engaging with the world around them in a productive way. Whether it's earning some income for future goals like a car or further education, increasing their savings, or simply making constructive use of their time, the key is involvement.
Here are a few tips and recommendations to encourage your students to step off the sidelines and into the game:
Apply for a job: The traditional summer job offers invaluable experience in responsibility, time management, and the fundamentals of earning a living.
Volunteer: There are opportunities at local libraries, school summer programs, or community camps. Volunteering allows them to contribute to their community, explore potential interests, and develop valuable skills.
Seek micro-internships or shadowing opportunities: Encourage them to reach out to friends or family who own businesses and inquire about short-term volunteer roles. Even an hour a day or a week can provide exposure to different industries and work environments.
Take a summer course: Many high schools and community colleges offer accelerated summer courses, allowing students to get ahead academically or explore new subjects.
Offer pet-sitting or house-sitting services: This fosters responsibility and provides a way to earn some money while helping others.
Explore neighborhood odd jobs: Simple tasks like offering to help neighbors with yard work, such as cutting grass, can be a great way to earn money and contribute to the community.
The list is endless, but the underlying principle remains: engaging in meaningful activities during the summer is crucial. It's about more than just filling time; it's about building character, instilling a sense of responsibility, understanding timelines, cultivating professionalism, and developing those essential soft skills that are increasingly vital in the workforce.
Speaking from experience as a parent of four sons, we embraced many of these opportunities. Some experiences they enjoyed, others not so much, but each one contributed to their growth and development. As summer unfolds quickly, I encourage you to help your students find their own way to swing the bat. The opportunities are there; it's about taking the initiative to seize them before the season slips away.
