Reintegrating Back Into Reality
For many families, kids are coming home from sleepaway camp or wrapping up their last days of day camp. In both cases, their schedules have been filled with soccer, swimming, arts and crafts, gymnastics, tennis and more. They’ve lived in the magic of camp, a joyful bubble for the past two months. Technology use has been minimal (or even nonexistent), friendships were made IRL and bedtime has been filled with dreams of what the next day will bring.
Meanwhile, many parents have been confronted with the cold, hard realities of our world in recent months: natural disasters striking beloved places like camps, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, shootings across the country and deportations. These events are heavy and frightening for adults, let alone for children.
Soon, your kids will return to school, where the magic of summer fades and conversations about current events start up again.
You may find yourself wondering:
How do I protect my kids?
Can I protect them?
How do I talk with them about these heavy topics in an age-appropriate way?
These are big questions, and you’re not the only parent asking them right now. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Slowly reintroduce technology. If your child has had significantly less screen time this summer, use that to your advantage. You’ve likely noticed fewer meltdowns, less anxiety or more creativity. Keep those benefits going by reintroducing technology gradually. Try screen-free dinners and family “talk nights.”
Follow your child’s lead. While you’re the adult, your child’s questions can be your guide. If they come home asking about a certain topic, that’s a sign they’re ready to process some information. Keep explanations age-appropriate. They don’t need all of the details, but if you say nothing, they may go searching for answers on their own, and those answers might not be accurate or safe.
Trust that there’s no single ‘right’ way. The best decision is the one that keeps your family happy, healthy and safe. It can be tempting to check in with parent group chats and follow what others are doing, but not every child, or family, is the same. Trust your gut. You know your child best.
If you ever feel you need extra support, or even a single parent coaching session to help you navigate these big conversations, we’re here for you. The Bari Group is just a call or message away. Email jillian@thebarigroup.com today to get started.
