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When May arrives, families with school aged children

start to rejoice that summer vacation is on the horizon.

KaneshaBaynard.com

With the anticipation of summer vacation comes the extra

projects, performances, ceremonies, concerts, events, and

other end-of-the-school year busyness that stretch families

thin.

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Stress levels rise and families may find themselves in

tense situations as they try to cross the finish line of the

academic year.

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Each family member should make a list of the top 5

things that stress them out about this time of year. It is

important to identify and know what these stressors are.

During dinner or a family gathering – family members can

offer suggestions on how perspectives can be shifted

when any of the items on the lists are triggered.

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Talk with your child’s teachers and find out where her

academic performance stands. It’s extremely stressful and

a major shock to the system to find out – at the end of the

semester – that your child’s grades are not what you (or

he) thought they were.

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Capture all major homework projects on the family

calendar. This will give your family an idea of what

everyone is juggling and how to lend support to keep

stress levels low. Keep extra supplies on hand so you do

not have to run out for last minute purchases.

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Seek out more support and help. Think about hiring a

“nanny driver”, tutor, housekeeper, or have your groceries

delivered (or any other service that may fit your needs) – if this will

give your family more time to finish the school year

strongly – instead of limping across the finish line.

KaneshaBaynard.com

Do not hold yourself or family member to an unrealistic

expectation about attending school-related events. Be

selective about which events or ceremonies your family

will attend. Prioritize which ones are a MUST and which

ones can be skipped.

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If you have not lined up summer childcare, do not worry.

Ask educators, friends, family members, or co-workers

for suggestions. You may also seek support through a

referral agency. Set aside 30-60 minutes to create a

summer childcare calendar. Keep tweaking it – daily – until

it works for your family.

KaneshaBaynard.com

If money is tight and you cannot (or chose not to) pay for

summer childcare – get creative. Create your own summer

cooperative camp with friends, family members, and

neighbors. Structure it based on your interests, needs, and

strengths. Sharing a babysitter or nanny with another

family could be an option.

KaneshaBaynard.com

Eat well. When we get overly busy, we stop paying

attention to what fuels us. Make sure your kitchen is

filled with healthy food options. If you are eating out,

select healthy options. Use your slow cooker so dinner

can be ready for your family after a busy day.

KaneshaBaynard.com

Get enough rest. There is a tendency to stay up late to

finish projects and study for exams. Omit unnecessary “to

do” items so family members are not sacrificing their

sleep time.

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Remember to unplug. Each day set aside at least an hour

to be screen free. Spend time as a family doing

something that is fun, connects you, and refuels you.

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Visit www.KaneshaBaynard.com for more tips and tools.

Kanesha has been an educator and professional coach since 1994. For many years, she worked as a high school Spanish and linguistically diverse teacher in a large, urban high school south of Chicago. In the same school district, she worked as the Mentor Coordinator and Assistant Staff Developer. In this capacity, she developed trainings and support programs for veteran teachers and teachers new to the district.

While in Colorado, Kanesha has worked in Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). Within BVSD’s adult education program, she taught English and GED classes for English language learners. She also conducted home visits, with participating families, to increase literacy in the homes and establish the parents at their children’s first teachers.

Kanesha spent two years at Peak to Peak K-12 Charter School, a top 100 school in the United States. She served as the assistantprincipal and was primarily responsible for Peak to Peak’s professional development program, the alternative teacher licensure program, formal evaluations, and curriculum planning.

While at Metropolitan State College of Denver, Kanesha was an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education and the Teacher QualityEnhancement Grant’s Field Placement Coordinator.

From 2006 – 2011, Kanesha was on faculty in the School of Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She served as theDirector of Field Experiences, School, and University Partnerships.

Kanesha received her undergraduate degree in Spanish and Secondary Education at Cornell College (Iowa). She received a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University (Illinois), and a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University (Illinois). She also trained directly with Oprah Magazine’s, Dr. Martha Beck.

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