Last Day of School Lessons

Submitted by Lesley Cross, MA, LPCC

The kids get smarter each year as we are thankful for the educators who work tirelessly to provide fun, enriching and developmental opportunities throughout the school year. This year I was taken back by how much wiser my daughter also became during her school year.

Each year I ask the kids what they want to be when they grow up. While I’m far from a Pinterest worthy mom, I do enjoy capturing their height changes as well as career aspirations on an easel on the first and last days of school.

There have been quite a few career goals throughout this tradition. We’ve had aspiring vets, doctors, scientists, architects, a penguin (yes- one year that was a goal) and financial planners. But the response this year is maybe the most wise.

When I reminded the kids I would be writing out the chalk board again this week and wondered what they wanted to appear on it, my oldest stopped and looked at me seriously and said. “Mom, you know I actually listen a lot more than you may think. And I’ve heard the messages this year. I heard to stay present. To not worry too much about the future. And to just enjoy the years of being a kid. So on the sign this year I don’t want a career goal. I have something else I want you to write.”

Well- that wasn’t the response I was expecting. But when she told me what she wanted, I have to admit I cried. She said, “When I grow up, I want to be happy & kind. I know I can do those things and that way I don’t have to over stress about the career path right now.”

She nailed it. Absolutely. Regardless of what school GPAs total, what career path our kids follow or what their future salaries amount to, if they are happy and kind- then they’ve reached the pinnacle of success.

As the school year wraps up in the next couple of weeks, may we remind our children (or maybe they remind us) what is really important.

Wishing you a wonderful (and happy & kind) summer!