The Last 2 Miles: Finishing The Year Strong & Heading Into Summer Even Stronger

This year has been a marathon, and we are now 2 miles from the finish. Some folks will say this is the easiest part because you can see the finish line, hear the crowds, and your adrenaline can kick in to carry you through the end. Some will say that this is the hardest. The last few miles are the wall you hit because you ran too fast, or too hard, or just don’t have the energy to keep going.

Whether your kiddo has already finished the school year, is about to wrap up, or is in school year-round, we know how important it is to make the most of the summer while avoiding burnout.

This school year has been a marathon. You and your child are almost to the end. Finish strong with whatever energy you both have left by following a few tips.

CLOSING OUT THE YEAR

1. Help your child take stock of where they are. Celebrate how far they have come and all of the growth and progress they have made. Honor any struggles that still may be happening. For some kids, the end of the year is scary because they will miss the routine or the people, and for some kids, it is a relief because school has felt so limiting. Take some time with your child to talk about all of these feelings. And, take time for yourself to recognize your own feelings here.

2. Help your child make a list of any remaining projects, tasks, performances, parties, etc. The end of the year can be a busy time in school with all of the activities that occur. This also coincides with planning for assessments, projects, etc. For most children, navigating this level of planning is exhausting, and 2e children may need even more support. Print up a large calendar, and help your child backward-plan all of the projects they may have. Write down any practices or performances.

3. Plan for next semester. Is your child attending a new school or moving up a level? Talk to the school office to see if they have any posted dates for the next school year. Have you initiated or are you in the middle of the IEP/504 process? Follow up to see what dates the process should conclude in the following school year. Homeschooling? End of the school year is a great time to pick up used curriculum that may be of interest. Many homeschooling groups have curriculum exchanges at the end of the year.

4. Triage the slow trudge to the end. For some children, the last few weeks of school are torture. Maybe they aren’t allowed to go on the last field trip, or they didn’t get an award, or any number of ways that 2e students can often be excluded. Whatever the reason, feel free to protect your child’s emotional well-being over the next few weeks. If you can, keep them home and have your own celebration so the sting of exclusion doesn’t feel so strong. If they have a seemingly unbearable amount of homework, help them break it down into smaller tasks if possible, or even give them the permission to triage their work. It’s ok not to get a zero on a low-scoring worksheet in order to put time and energy into studying for a test or finishing a final project. Your child (and you) don’t have to be everything all of the time. It’s ok to walk the last few miles of the race.

5. Close out the school year. Help your child identify any remaining tasks for any classes or programs they may still have. Check lost and found. Help your child share a way to keep in contact with friends. For kids who may struggle with phone numbers, make a “calling card” with your phone number or email that your child can give to their friends. Return any book or items that may have been borrowed.

LEANING INTO SUMMER

• Prepare for the summer. Regardless of how your child views the summer, give them something to look forward to. Maybe they need to decompress for a week or so. Maybe they will be in camps all summer long. Whatever they do, give them a place to track the summer. Put it on a wall calendar so they can visualize the passing of time. We of course recommend our amazing summer camps, but we’re biased because we’ve seen hundreds of kiddos take them and we know firsthand how much happier families are as a result of learning what they love with awesome kids and the coolest mentors around!

1. Embrace Interests and Hobbies. Use the summer break to explore your child’s passions. Whether it’s diving into a new book series, experimenting with a new hobby, or enrolling in a summer camp that sparks their interest, these activities can help reignite their excitement and curiosity.

2. Stay Connected with Peers. Social connections are crucial for gifted and twice-exceptional kids. Arrange playdates, virtual meet-ups, or group activities that allow them to interact with like-minded peers, fostering a sense of community and support. Remember, “our kids NEED each other! The research is clear! When together, our students experience more: Acceptance, Belonging, Patience, & Empathy.” (Neihart et al., 2002)

• Create a Flexible Routine. While it’s important to maintain some structure, summer is a great time to introduce a more flexible routine. This can help reduce stress and give your child the freedom to explore new interests without the pressure of a tight schedule.

• Celebrate. At the end of every race, every challenge, every long journey, we should celebrate. When you finish a marathon, there is a party at the end. Every year should be a celebration of the completion and the journey. Something as simple as taking your child for ice cream can be enough to mark that one moment has ended.

This year has been a marathon, and you are almost at the finish line. You can do this. Your child can do this.

We believe in you.

Finish strong.