It’s already started… It’s in August, the quietest and laziest month of the year, when the first notices of the new school year start to appear. You get those reminders through WhatsApp: “You can now sign up for the new 2024/2025 football season. Reserve your place by calling the office or registering on the club’s website. We’re looking forward to having you!” With that message, the summer calm dissipates, especially if it ends with an urgent: “Reserve now! We don’t want you to be left without a place.” And the shadow of the school year is very long…
But stay calm. Don’t sign your child up without thinking twice. Don’t give in to the pressure of being left out of the game:
- The first thing we should do is talk to the child: does he want to continue with the same activity, or has the summer awakened new curiosities or interests in him? Take advantage of this opportunity to listen to him, without distractions, giving him your full attention. May this moment of decision strengthen mutual trust.
- We must also realistically and sincerely consider the impact of the activity on the family: time, money, etc. Perhaps we can find the same activity closer to home or more conveniently.
- Finally, we must reflect on an increasingly necessary issue: Do the activities our children attend contribute to their human growth? Are they spaces that, although they do not explicitly teach virtues, at least do not neglect values (elegance, chivalry, respect, etc.)? For example, a soccer team or a dance group that values people, especially children, above competitiveness and triumph at any cost. Teams where coaches watch their language and avoid aggressiveness, rudeness or blasphemy. It is an excellent time for both children and adults to practice self-control, something very necessary.
“Mom, I want to be an artist”
If your children have told you: “Mom, I want to be an artist,” consider some specific aspects of this field. If they want to dance, make sure they do it in a place where the teachers are well-trained and teach correct postures, without hypersexualizing, with careful and controlled gestures. It is easy to fall into harmful stereotypes that do not teach how to be true artists. Take care of the artistic part of your children. Do your research well and make sure you leave them in good hands: check photos of previous performances, ask… And if you are lucky enough to have Jana Productions in your city, I am already envious of you.
Martial arts, boxing… Make sure they instill the legacy of Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Judo techniques or punches should not leave the tatami or the ring.
We must be aware that only we, the parents, will defend our children properly. The dance teacher or the swimming instructor may not notice if your child is exhausted. You have to be on the lookout. No one will do it for you.
Take care of your child’s rest
Be realistic. Make sure that throughout the week he has time to rest and reflect. Only when we are rested are we able to grow and set goals for our inner life. When we are exhausted, we know that we cannot do anything. Defend and reserve a weekly time for personal growth: clubs, parishes, movements, etc., will be your great allies in the true formation and happiness of your children.
The cultivation of the soul is like practicing sports or learning languages: if you do not take care of it, the little you have achieved will be lost faster than you imagine. If this issue is your priority, if your child’s faith is the most important thing, let it be the only issue that disturbs the much-needed peace of summer. Why not?
