School’s Out-Now What?
Spring and summer are my favorite seasons; the days are longer, and the sun shines just a bit brighter! For many parents this time of year can be chaotic because SCHOOLS OUT! Where is my son, who is he with, and what is he doing!
It has been a strange couple of years, and it seems the kids are getting out of school earlier than ever before. What have you planned with your son? Are you going to take a vacation, is your son playing sports, maybe you planted a garden or have a spring/summer project to do together?
I can already hear many of you saying, “Oh sure, I can’t get the kids to do or help with anything!”
Frame it as Fun
My recommendation is to approach it as a fun time together; make it special by thinking back and remembering some of the fun times you had as a kid. Or better yet how you “wish” your parents had done things with you.
Some of my best memories are when my parents just relaxed and were present with me and my siblings. I didn’t grow up in a home where that was the norm, so I appreciated it on the rare occasion it happened. Once when I was 4 years old my mom just turned up the record player (yes, remember record players!) and we did the Hokey Pokey, it was a blast! It was spontaneous and unexpected, yet it’s a memory all these years later that I still treasure.
Rent a Movie
There’s a really good movie; “The Confirmation” starring Clive Owen. He is a less than perfect dad, but throughout the movie he makes the effort to do better. It’s a “feel good” movie about the relationship between father and son; and what happens when dad realizes how important he is to his son. If you pay close attention to the non-verbal cues and body language you see just exactly how innately a young boy looks to his father for guidance
“Dad being a healthy role model, mentoring his son. Mom supporting the process, while the son innately turns to father”
The mom was great in the movie. She recognized how important it was for her son to be with his dad and gave them the space to just be. This movie won’t win any awards, but it drives home what I teach parents on a regular basis in my program The Quest Project®.
My message to you this Spring/Summer season is to stop and think about your relationship with your son(s). Consider how you might have your own renewed relationship and incorporate more fun and more time together. It’s okay to be spontaneous, what kid doesn’t love a surprise? Enjoy this time, what you do now will stay with your child forever.
Online Activity
The Quest Project® Online offers you the opportunity to bring this highly effective Modern-Day Rite of Passage® program home. What a great summer activity to do with your son. It’s self-paced and interactive! Want to “try it” first; be my guest, here is a sneak peek!