NEDERLAND — By late July, everyone's a little sunburned, and bedtime is more of a suggestion than a rule. But before you dig out backpacks from the back of closets, take advantage of the homestretch of summer break, where you can wrap up summer strong and set your kid up for a smoother start to school. Good news! None of this requires a whiteboard or Pinterest-ready crafts; it just takes a little intention.

Alongside sunscreen and screen-time negotiations, kids' social-emotional learning (SEL) skills (managing emotions, showing empathy, solving conflicts, making friends) can quietly slide over the summer, just like reading and math skills do. Research from CASEL shows kids who keep building these skills do better academically, form stronger friendships, and handle hard days with more confidence. Think of SEL as the invisible backpack your kid carries everywhere, whether they're diving into a pool or the school year. 

Name it to tame it
Feelings are easier to manage when you have words for them. On a car ride or over dinner, ask your kid how they're really feeling, not just "fine." Model it yourself: "I'm a little nervous about the school year starting." Emotional honesty is contagious (in a good way).

Let boredom finish the job
When "I'm bored!" strikes, resist the urge to fix it. That itch is where creativity and self-reliance grow. Try asking, "What's something you could do about that?" It's a small question that builds a big skill.

Start talking about August 13…gently
You don't need a countdown chart, but simply check in with your kids and ask, "What are you excited or nervous about for school?" Naming worries early (new teacher, tricky friendships, early wake-ups) makes them far less scary once the first bell rings.

Practice the rhythm
A week or two before school starts, ease bedtimes and mornings back toward the school schedule. Predictability lowers anxiety, for kids and parents!

Keep the fun,  it's doing more than you think
Game nights, backyard hangouts, and lazy afternoons are quietly teaching patience, teamwork, and resilience. Keep chasing dragonflies and making mud pies. It counts.

You don't need perfect parenting, color-coded charts, or a fully stocked playroom,  just presence and a little heart. Here's to closing out summer with connection and opening the school year with confidence.

May your summers be filled with calm moments, meaningful connections, and the confidence to try again tomorrow.

Betsy Epp is the Social Emotional Coordinator at Teens, Inc. in Nederland. She organizes the Mountain Strong Families program that takes place at the Nederland Elementary School (NES).  If you would like information or to reserve your place with Mountain Strong Families Series beginning Tuesday, September 1, from 5:15 - 7:30 p.m. at NES, contact Betsy Epp at betsy@teensinc.org.