Summer's Not Over Yet For Teachers

July is a busy month for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers. Teachers are not only trying to enjoy what is left of their summer vacation, that is if they are not at a 12 month school. Parents are fitting in as much vacation fun as they can and preparing for the new school year with new clothes and supplies. Homeschoolers are deciding on the curriculum for the year, purchasing their curriculum, submitting the proper paperwork, and making sure all the necessary supplies are on hand, all this on top of trying to enjoy summer vacation.

With the anticipation of the new school year, the worries, the concerns, the preparation, come stress. We have to find ways to remind ourselves that we are still on our summer vacation. We cannot let summer slip by and not have any down time, because we are too wrapped up in the year to come. We will be worn out, drug out, and burnt out before the school year even begins if we do not take the opportunity to enjoy this time for R and R.

How do we do that? It truly isn't that complicated, keep it simple. Take walks, sit outside together in the evening, go swimming for an hour or so, watch a movie together, bake together, make cards for all the birthdays for the upcoming year. Be creative, keep it simple, but make sure it is something enjoyable.

It is easy to forget to relax and have fun, but by forgetting, we rob ourselves and our families of precious memories. We also rob ourselves and families of much needed down time. I have learned one very important thing, we all need down time, we may not realize it, but we do, otherwise we get overloaded and this leads to burn out. This does us no good, and only harm can come from it.

So, what I am saying to you is, no matter whether you are a parent getting your child ready for the new school year, a teacher preparing yourself for another year, or a homeschool family, you are most likely busy, busy, busy. Try to keep it simple, don't forget that summer is not over for a month and half yet, and make sure to include plenty of fun and relaxation for yourself and your children. You will all need it as the new school year and hectic lifestyles begin for yet another year.