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As the school year draws to a close, the excitement of summer activities looms on the horizon. Recently, we engaged in a conversation with our 8-year-old about his summer plans, particularly regarding baseball.
Remarkably, even at his young age, he exhibits a keen understanding of his desires and requirements. His words struck a chord when he expressed, “I want a break from baseball, so I can learn how to ride my bike and swim better.”
Applaud Self-Awareness & Curiosity
That statement earned an enthusiastic check mark from us! It’s wonderful to witness his self-awareness and eagerness to explore new skills. With his aspirations in mind, it’s time to embark on the brainstorming journey to fulfill his wishes.
Providing the Right Environment
First, I proposed a change of scenery for his biking lessons. Rather than navigating the complexities of balancing on two wheels amidst the hustle and bustle of our neighborhood streets, I suggested utilizing the expansive, empty school parking lot or the track encircling the football field.
These locations offer flat, uninterrupted pavement—a perfect setting for mastering biking skills without the added distractions of passing cars or pedestrians.
It’s all about providing an environment conducive to focused learning.
To Add or To Replace?
The question arises: should we encourage him to accommodate baseball alongside these new endeavors?
While it’s tempting to squeeze it into his schedule, we must be mindful of overwhelming him with too many commitments. Sometimes, less truly is more, especially for a young child navigating the myriad of experiences summer has to offer.
Expanding The View
This conversation with our son prompted me to ponder the summer goals of other families. Are they, too, contemplating specific aspirations for their children? Perhaps they have similar desires to facilitate skill-building and personal growth during the summer break.
Opening up dialogue with other families can yield valuable insights and potential collaboration in supporting each other’s goals.
Consider All Opportunities!
In essence, summer is a season brimming with opportunities for exploration and development. It’s a time to step back from the rigors of the academic year and embrace new challenges and experiences.
Our son’s desire to diversify his skill set—by mastering biking and improving his swimming—is an example of the importance of balance and self-discovery.
Support Exploration
As we prepare for the summer ahead, let’s encourage our children to pursue their passions and embark on adventures that ignite their curiosity. Whether it’s learning to ride a bike, perfecting a swimming stroke, or simply basking in the joys of childhood, let’s support them wholeheartedly in their endeavors!
After all, summer is not just a season—it’s an opportunity for growth, exploration, and making cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
