Holiday Wishes from the Colorado Rockies
We had an incredible summer with the coolest, smartest and most wonderful kids from all over the world. Then we hit the ground running as The Learning Camp™ operates two after-school programs for Eagle County, CO elementary schools. There is no rest for the weary!
As I look out my window watching our horses track through fresh morning snow a flood of summer faces washes before me. I can’t stop thinking about how brave and bright those campers are because I am reminded of the realities of the school environment they have returned to: the hard work and social pressures, the spot light. While as parents we work hard at keeping them on task at home. Even though we reinforce their successes and achievements I am reminded also that from time to time we need to let them wind down from all that work. The holiday season is a great time to do just that.
Put away the books, cancel the tutoring appointments and focus on your child’s many other attributes. Find time to relax, play games, be together as a family or just as a parent to your child. Our kids need this down time, they need the pressure taken off of their lives. The holidays can be a time for relaxing if you prepare. Get off your schedule, sleep in, snuggle with your children, have lazy days and enjoy each other.
Getting Ready
Be careful though, the holidays are also a time spent with cousins, aunts and uncles who can be just as callous and inadvertently cruel as our children’s classmates. If you plan to be with extended family or friends that may not understand your child’s needs, spend a little time reading through the recommendations on any of the links below. They are full of expert advice that has helped us and many other parents.
I am not an expert. But, as a camp director and mother, I spend my summers with 150 children that share your child’s challenges. They need down time and they need you.
Making Family Holiday Gatherings Work for You and Your Child
Schwab Learning Foundation by Linda Broatch, M.A.
How to Help Your Child Have a Happy Holiday
LD Online by Dale S. Brown
Home (at yours and others!) for the Holidays
by Richard Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed.
Until the next time, have a wonderful and relaxing holiday season. Take good care of each other!
- Ann & Tom
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