May is here, and students and parents alike begin to turn their gaze to summer time. The promise of a slower pace, warmer days, and a respite from the rigors of school bring a smile to many faces and a sigh of relief.

For me, this summer brings significant change in my family life. My daughter graduated from Colorado Christian University last week and is getting married in early June and then moving across the country. My son will move to Arizona to pursue a new job and continue his journey to become an electrician. Both my children are on the precipice of adult life. It is what I want for them, but it has made me especially reflective.

The phrase “the days are long but the years are short” is truer that I can express. So as the mother of nearly grown children, may I offer a few suggestions for summer to those of you a few years behind me?

First, be kind to yourselves and your kids and allow everyone a few days to simply rest.

Second, help your child to establish some routines for the remainder of the summer. A day that includes times for physical exercise, reading, work (a summer job, chores, academic review etc.), and outside play is helpful for kids of all ages.

Next, remember that change is hard for many. Leaving friends and beloved teachers can be overwhelming. Take some time to talk with your child about the emotions involved in these changes. Finally, realize that boredom is not a bad thing. Resist the urge to fill every moment with tasks, events, and electronics. Creativity, grit, and maturity grow in the incubator created by the feelings of boredom.

My final wish for you is sweet uninterrupted time with your loved ones. You will never regret the times you take to pour into the lives of those that matter most.

Have a wonderful summer!