End-of-School Reflections and Family Prep for Summer
I sat in my kitchen this morning, sunlight streaming across the countertop and the last few pages of the school calendar fluttering nearby. The days are flying faster now—final exams, final club meetings, year-end events—and I feel it more than ever. My son is finishing his junior year of high school, and while I’m excited for him to have a break, there’s a new weight to it all.
This isn’t just another summer. It’s the summer before senior year.
The one I’ve been warned about. The one where you realize that all those ordinary moments—like tossing a towel in the backseat for a spontaneous swim or grabbing late-night ice cream—might not come as easily next year. Because next year, we’ll be counting down a very different calendar.
And yet, I don’t want this post—or this summer—to feel heavy. I want it to feel intentional. Because if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling more than one age group in your household. Maybe you’ve got younger kids wrapping up art projects and begging for sidewalk chalk. Perhaps you're helping older kids pack up a dorm room. Wherever you fall on the parenting map, this season is a pivot—and with a bit of prep, it can be both joyful and grounded.
The End-of-Year Crunch: What to Wrap Up (By Age Group)
Before we can lean into summer mode, there’s the organized chaos of closing out the school year. A few things to keep on your radar:
For the Littles (Preschool–Elementary):
Field days, class parties, and thank-you notes for teachers
Last-minute library book returns (check under the couch!)
Craft projects, art portfolios, and mystery lunch containers
For Middles (Tweens–Early Teens):
Locker clean-outs and school supply leftovers
Yearbook signings, sports banquets, and maybe even a school dance
Talk about screen time expectations before summer starts
For Big Kids (High Schoolers):
Final exams, APs, and ACT/SAT stress
Applications for part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work
Conversations about independence, boundaries, and… curfews
Pro tip: I create a quick checklist broken down by kid (and yes, by personality). Some thrive with structure, while others need reminders written everywhere.
The Emotional Whiplash No One Warns You About
It’s not just our calendars that are full. Our hearts are, too.
There’s a tug-of-war between excitement for lazy mornings and that ache of time slipping through our fingers. It hits you in small ways—a taller silhouette in the doorway, a sarcastic joke that suddenly sounds more grown-up than teenage.
This season isn’t just about packing up backpacks and dusting off the beach towels. It’s about letting go, a little more than you did last year, and holding on where it matters most.
Simple Ways to Plan for a Meaningful Summer
You don’t need a perfect itinerary, but a little intentional planning now can help your family make the most of the months ahead, especially when ages and interests vary.
For Younger Kids:
Build a summer “bucket list” together—popsicle picnics, library reading contests, zoo visits.
Rotate themed days: Water Wednesdays, Tinker Tuesdays, etc.
Have a “go bag” ready with sunscreen, snacks, and swim gear for impromptu adventures.
For Teens:
Ask them what they want this summer. (Then really listen.)
Suggest one day a week where they plan a family activity—it could be as simple as picking a movie or making dinner.
Encourage work, but also leave room for unstructured downtime.
For Everyone:
Designate one screen-free evening a week.
Start a “summer table tradition”—maybe it’s Friday night grilling or Sunday breakfast outdoors.
Talk early about expectations: chores, bedtime, tech rules, and vacation plans.
And if your kids are older and naturally pulling away? Let them. But also let them know that home is still their soft place to land.
One Last Summer, but a Lifetime of Meaning
As we head into this summer, I keep reminding myself: this doesn’t have to be the perfect summer. It just needs to be present.
Present enough to notice the shift in the light at 8 p.m.
Present enough to join in a laugh, even when you're tired.
Present enough to soak up the beauty in the ordinary days.
Because I know—deep down—that these are the moments he’ll remember. Not the perfectly curated plans, but the feeling of being loved, seen, and given space to grow.
Let’s Make It Count—Together
Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens (or both under one roof), you’re not alone in feeling all the things right now. So let’s walk into summer prepared with packed bags and frozen popsicles, open hearts, and a little more grace.
Comment below: What are you most looking forward to this summer—and what’s got you feeling a little tender?
Need a hand getting organized?
Grab my free Summer Prep & Safety Bundle, which includes planning checklists, activity ideas for all ages, and practical tips to help you simplify the season.
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