As my oldest plans to graduate fifth grade, I have a lot of emotions that need to be redirected into some-thing. That thing is this: an end-of-the-school-year guide to help moms (and dads) navigate the transition from school into summer with grace and preparedness.
End-of-School-Year Survival Guide for Transitioning Smoothly into Summer
The emotional whirlwind accompanied with the end of the school year is not for the faint of heart. It brings pride, exhaustion, nostalgia and anticipation for summer. From teacher gifts to concerts to parties to planning summer activities – there are countless unique challenges parents face during this period. Don’t forget about the end of the school year blues too. With so much to juggle while transitioning from school to summer, what can we do? Keep reading for five end-of-school-year survival guide with tips for moms and dads.
1. Reflect on the School Year
Before unpacking the backpack for one final time, let’s take a moment to reflect on the school year. It’s SO important one does not waste a breath rambling about recess drama or a rained out field trip. Instead, think and chat and celebrate the good stuff. What did your child accomplish? What are your favorite moments?
My oldest, Annabelle, stepped in front of the school camera to host the morning news, proudly sat on Student Council despite losing the election for Treasurer, and joined photography club. My middle child, Ailey, worked hard to push through anxiety caused by her inner perfectionist, allowing herself to make mistakes as she mastered advanced math skills. She showed off her creativity and imagination designing a diorama of the children’s area at our public library. I am so proud of my daughters – even the youngest Ailey who ‘played school’ with us, learning colors, counting, and more.
2. Assess End-of-School-Year Emotions
Most school year endings arrive with mixed emotions for both children and parents alike. My daughters’ did not know I picked up on their melancholy and uncertainty – but I did. Annabelle isn’t excited to graduate fifth grade, as she is nervous about moving on to middle school. Ailey is overwhelmingly sad to leave her favorite teacher and scared to say goodbye to the lower elementary school. I am so grateful for a great year and proud of my girls, but in disbelief we are moving on to new big chapters.
Overall, I am unwell. My heart is heavy carrying not just my nostalgia and conflicting feelings, but theirs as well. After consulting my therapist, I have a plan for coping with end of the school year feelings.
- Acknowledge the big feelings that come with milestones, such as moving up a grade or graduation, by naming the emotions.
- Normalize it. Let kids know it’s totally normal to feel excited and sad at the same time.
- Reflect together – talk about what went well, favorite memories, and how growing is great!
- Create rituals or goodbyes – Draw pictures, write thank-you notes to teachers, or have a small end-of-year celebration. These actions help mark the transition and offer emotional release.
- Keep Connections Going – exchange contact info or plan a summer playdate with friends, ask the teacher if you can mail her a summer postcard, to maintain relationships.
- Talk About What’s Next – Ease anxiety by previewing fun summer activities and gently introducing what next school year might look like (especially for big transitions).
3. Organize School Materials
Does anyone else have a giant pile of school materials, accumulated since September, on their dining room table? Or is it just me? My system for preserving special projects and memories may not work for all, but it does for our family. During winter break I file away the first half of the year’s best work and on the first day of summer I file away the second half of the year.
I use a plastic filing box with hanging folders to organize favorite artwork, assignments, and a school picture for each child. As someone who loves looking through her own school memory box (thanks Mom!), I like to keep memorable pieces of school work organized for each child by grade. Note: I thought I would be able to use one box per child, but it is looking like they’ll each have two by the end of high school.
Tip: Preserve artwork by creating a digital book or a special keepsake journal/postcard. We store and hang the artwork in this cool artwork storage frame.
4. Plan Summer Activities
One of the most stressful and often forgotten about aspects of the school year ending is the pressure of planning the perfect summer. I have heart palpitations just listing possible things to plan, schedule, or consider: summer camp, daily childcare, enrichment activities, engaging activities, family vacation, day trips, playdates and so on.
So how do I handle the overwhelming task of managing summer? First I take a deep breath and look at the calendar as a whole. I’ve learned to let go of the idea that summer has to be “perfect” to be meaningful. I start by choosing one or two priorities—like securing childcare or planning a vacation—and then give myself permission to leave space for slower days. I’ve found that not every day needs to be filled, and kids often thrive with a little boredom and freedom. I try to stay flexible, ask my kids what they want to do, and remind myself that memories are made in the simple, unstructured moments too. Planning ahead is helpful—but so is letting go.
- Check out my Awesome List of Summer Activities for Kids on Rainy OR Sunny Days
- Look into FREE activities or events in your area (ex. our town hosts a Twilight Free Concert Series)
5. Manage the Mental Load
Parents – repeat after me – I do NOT have to do it all by myself. While it can be difficult to delegate responsibilities regarding your summer planning, I encourage you to ask for and agree to receive help from others. Whether it is your spouse or a grandparent, a retired neighbor or a fellow parent, there is always someone who can assist you. You just have to be willing to accept the help. The mental load of motherhood is heavy, but the weight can be dispersed.
Set Realistic Expectations for your summer ahead. Embrace the possibility of imperfection – summer does not and most likely will not be all sunshine and rainbows.
Looking Ahead to Summer with Confidence
As we close the chapter on another school year, it’s okay to feel all the feelings—joy, sadness, pride, and even a little panic. This transition isn’t just about wrapping up academics; it’s about honoring growth, embracing change, and preparing for a season that invites both rest and adventure. My hope is that this guide helps you feel a little more grounded and a lot more supported as you navigate the weeks ahead.
Remember: you don’t need to have every day mapped out, every emotion perfectly managed, or every activity planned to perfection. What your kids will remember most are the moments you showed up with love, patience, and presence. So give yourself grace, lean into the messy magic of summer, and trust that you’re doing enough—because you are.
Here’s to a summer full of memories, milestones, and meaningful connection. You’ve got this, mama.
Additional Resources:
- Downloadable Resources:
- Printable Summer Calendars
- Printable Summer Planning Checklist (blank and filled in)
- 5 Things to Do Before Summer
- Related Blog Posts:
- How to Have an End of School Year Celebration
- DIY Summer Scrapbook – A way to record and preserve your favorite summer moments
- 12 Fun Summer Food and Drink Recipes
- What You Need to Bring to a Vacation Rental
- Tips for Flying with a Baby
- 15 Essential Tips for Traveling with a Toddler
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