Happy June, everyone!
If your calendar suddenly looks like a chaotic game of Tetris and all you smell is sunscreen and bug spray, you are not alone. The transition from the school year to the wonderful chaos of summer is a massive shift. If you are struggling to keep up with new daily schedules, please hear this: you are in excellent company. Almost every family walking through our doors right now is feeling that exact same hectic energy.
To our parents: Yes, it is loud and busy, but this season is incredibly fleeting. Before you know it, these chaotic days will be the ones you look back on with deep nostalgia. Take a deep breath, let go of perfection, and focus on being present. Soak up the messy minutes—even if "being present" means ignoring the iPad screen-time limit warnings or mutually agreeing with your kids that Netflix counts as an official summer hobby.
To those who aren't parenting (much like myself!): This season is for you, too. While my days are spent supporting kiddos in the playroom, during my free time I’m right there with you trying to navigate a slower rhythm. For me, that looks like staring at the always-growing stack of summer books I promise I'm going to read, while actually just soaking up the AC, scrolling, or chatting on the phone. Use this extra sunshine and fresh air as an invitation to find balance, practice self-care, and give yourself a little extra love.
As Winnie the Pooh wisely said, "Doing nothing often leads to the very best kind of something."
As a play therapist, I officially give you permission to take that literally. In a world obsessed with productivity, choosing to "do nothing" on a hot summer afternoon is actually some of the most productive mental health work you can do.
Let’s all agree to give ourselves, our friends, and our families an extra dose of grace over the next few months. We’re all figuring it out as we go!
Wishing you a bright, grounded, and joyful start to the summertime season.
Warmly,
Gracie Donnell, MS, LPC-Associate
Play Therapist at Mend Counseling
