This is a new monthly series that we will update each year as the particular month arrives. Much of each post will be good from year to year, and because parenting is often challenging, we want to present tools and strategies that might be helpful, in this case, for parenting in June.
Here are things that we’re learning and loving in the month of June! We will talk about a few things that we are learning and loving in our lives right now. This may include recipes, books, movies and tips for life in the middle of the sandwich, etc.
Here are some ideas for parenting in June, and be sure to check out the best deals to look for in June down below. (see our May post here)
**This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.
Parenting in June: Learning
I originally wrote these posts on my old blog for parenting teens. I had always added on to them and updated links. I am leaving this part of this original post…
2020– (I’m leaving this in for historical reference!) This has been a month so far. There is so much going on world-wide as well as nationally. Rawness. Sorrow. Hate. Love. Where to start?
I actually think that that is the key–start. Start the healing. Start the conversations. Start to empathize. It’s not enough, but I wrote a blog post for parents to try to understand, and hopefully start some conversations. The title says for teens, but there are resources for adults as well, and I honestly love YA books anyway! Here is the link to my post.
As for “the rona”, here is a link to an article regarding the safety of different summer activities -article dated May of 2020
2021– As we come out of the school year, and as the numbers of Covid cases are going down, there are more options available for us again. I look forward to going places without a mask! I look forward to traveling again! And, mostly, I look forward to a summer off after my second retirement from full-time teaching!
2022– This summer is all about selling our house and downsizing into 2 tiny apartments for the next school year as we build a house outside of our city limits. I am sure there will be some stories! And, our grandson will arrive this month!
2023– Guess what? I am heading back into the classroom this fall. Hopefully, another world-wide pandemic will not occur this time. And, we are still in our apartments.😭 Ledger is turning one, and his mommy and daddy are getting married in August!
2024– Looking forward to a quiet summer, and we get to move into our new home! Big trip to Spain and the Azores. Ledger will be two.
2025– Getting a little more settled into our house with time off this summer. Ledger is three this month.
2026– Ledger is four this month. I will teach one more year, and then retirement!
Parenting in June: Books to read
The Happiness Project -Rubin
This is such an interesting read! It was different from anything that I was expecting. I read this awhile ago, but it still resonates. With all the chaos in the world right now, this might be a good time to pick this book up, if you haven’t already read it.
There is a journal to accompany this wonderful book. The cool thing is that you only have to write down one sentence, so it’s not a huge commitment.
Parenting in June: Grandparenting
Summer is a great time to have a cousin camp or a weekend, or even longer, with one grandchild at a time for special bonding. No matter what you decide to do, remember that “psychologists have found that childhood memories formed between ages 5 and 10 are often especially vivid because this period plays a major role in emotional and autobiographical memory development,” according to Science Today.
I know I have vivid memories of many times I spent with my grandmas during my childhood.
*I love finding out things that are cool for this monthly blog post. If you ever find out something that is helpful or interesting, please share with me!
Parenting in June: Movies to watch
The Power of One – (PG-13) This movie was based on the book with the same name. It’s set in apartheid Africa, and is based on the story of a little boy growing up with ideas that are opposite to what most white boys of that time were thinking. We should all take a page from this one!
So many lessons from this book/movie! Bullying, standing up for what is right, being coachable, overcoming hardship… I could go on and on! This is one I had not thought of for my Best Sports Movies Ever for Teens post, but I am definitely adding.
My boys were talking about us re-watching. I remember loving this!
Have you seen Remarkably Bright Creatures yet? It was wonderful! If you liked the book, you will like the movie -they did a great job of staying on the storyline. I saw an interview with Sally Fields in which she said she had them make several changes so that it was as true to the book as it could be in an hour and a half.
Parenting in June: Game to play
I grew up playing Rack-O, and had forgotten all about it! We are shutting down the school where I teach and moving to a new building over the summer. I unearthed this from a cabinet in my room that I inherited. My students are loving playing it! Almost anyone can play –for ages 8+.
Parenting in June: Gadgets to try
Steam Cleaner -This little machine is the bomb! As we clean out places, I have used this so much. It got gunk out of my son’s sink, loosened up ground-in dirt in our two main doorway treads, corners of closets, etc!! For less than $50, it has been the best purchase I’ve made in a long time!
Parenting in June: Clothing
It is almost summer, and you may be getting wet at some point! There are so many options for water shoes now, and I think many are really good-looking! So much better than the old tennis shoes we used to have to wear!
Parenting in June: Quote
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy (or gal) who’ll decide where to go.“ -Dr. Suess
This is true now even more! Your students decided whether to do the work or not. To study or not. To put forth effort or not.
Parenting in June: Holidays to remember
National Donut Day (first Friday in June), D-Day WW2 (6th), Best Friend’s Day (8th), Flag Day (14th), Juneteenth (19th), Father’s Day (3rd Sunday), Forgiveness Day (26th), Hug Holiday (29th)
Parenting in June: Aging parents
I have an aging friend who has had a few falls lately. His doctor recommended a walking stick. NOT a cane. The height of this stick is a benefit when someone is trying to stay upright and balanced as they walk. There are some really cool ones available!
Parenting in June: Deals to look for
This is the time of year many stores have semi-annual sales, so be looking for those!
Often, gyms offer a summer membership, so look for a good deal on those.
There will also be many sales for Father’s Day!
Parenting in June: Helpful posts
Father’s Day Gifts That a Teen Can Afford
Best Subscription Boxes For Dad
30+ Best Gifts for Men In Your Life
5 Steps to Avoid Losing Your Cool with Your Teens This Summer
How to Plan a Budget With Your College Bound Teen
Backpack Essentials for College: What You Must Have
Social Justice Books and Juneteenth
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