We Shouldn’t Stress About ‘Catching Up’ Our Kids in School This Summer

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As the school year comes to a close, many parents find themselves anxious about their children’s academic progress for the upcoming year. The lengthy summer break can amplify worries about their kids falling behind, particularly with the phenomenon known as “summer slide,” where students forget what they’ve learned. The educational challenges brought by the pandemic have only intensified these concerns, especially following a tumultuous end to the 2019 school year and a still difficult 2020. Many parents feel the pressure to address perceived academic gaps as we head into the 2021 school year. However, this summer, it’s essential to prioritize relaxation and fun. Activities like playing outside and simply unwinding are crucial after the stressful year our children have faced.

This past school year has undoubtedly been tough, and it’s natural to want to remedy any academic shortcomings. Parents often fear that the extended break will lead to further regression. For many kids, this year has felt like a significant setback. Yet, rather than focusing on making up for lost learning, we should recognize that our children need a break more than ever. While academics hold importance, there’s ample time to revisit spelling or math later. After such a challenging year, our kids truly deserve some time off.

My child is finishing up first grade, and we live in a city that spent much of the year in virtual learning. Even when schools reopened, my child’s school opted to remain online. Learning at such a young age is already tough, and doing it through Google Classroom can be daunting. My son has performed admirably, but that doesn’t diminish the struggles he faced. Grasping fundamental concepts is challenging, especially for a young child who finds it difficult to focus on a screen. His aversion to video calls made it even more challenging, leading to many moments spent urging him to pay attention.

While I’ve always been lenient with screen time, this year has changed my approach. I still encourage at least an hour of screen-free time daily, but overall, he’s been given more freedom with screens. Living in a small apartment during much of the school year limited outdoor activities, so this summer, I aim for a better balance between screen time and other activities.

Physical activity, outdoor exploration, imaginative play, and trying new things during summer are crucial for kids, as highlighted by Dr. Mia Collins, a child development expert. I’m grateful we can spend more time outdoors this summer. My partner has been taking our son to the playground after school, providing him with the chance to play with other kids. One of the biggest challenges this past year has been the lack of physical outlets for his abundant energy.

In previous summers, we spent countless hours at the playground, and after a difficult year, I’m eager to return to that routine. Kids thrive on social interaction and physical activity, which they missed during the pandemic. While his teacher has incorporated breaks during virtual learning, the lack of regular outdoor play is still felt. We aim to ensure he gets ample outdoor time this summer, as fresh air is beneficial for everyone.

Dr. Collins also emphasizes the importance of peer interaction during summer. Children need opportunities to develop social skills, and this summer will be a vital time for them to reconnect and practice communication and friendship skills. My son, who has mainly interacted with peers online, needs to run and play with other kids again, of course, while still being mindful of safety measures.

Our primary goal this summer is to enjoy ourselves and embrace spontaneity. Unlike the structured daily schedules we maintained during virtual learning, I want my son to experience unstructured time, allowing him to lounge in his pajamas if he chooses. This year, more than ever, the theme of summer is relaxation. After a year of hard work, it’s essential to teach our kids the value of rest and rejuvenation.

Kids have endured so much this past school year. While some may need to prepare for the next academic year, it’s crucial to allow them the space to simply be kids. They deserve a break filled with play and joy. After all, as Fred Rogers once said, “Play is the work of childhood,” and this summer, nothing is more essential than that.

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In summary, while concerns about academic performance may linger, prioritizing our children’s need for rest, play, and social interaction this summer is critical. They deserve a break from the stresses of the past year, allowing them to thrive once again.


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