It is now the second week of August and summer is beginning to slip away a bit more quickly. 

This is a perfect time to sit with your child and take stock of where they stand and what they want to strive for in the coming year.

Ask some probing questions and agree if it is ok to take notes:

• What did you learn about yourself from your summer job, camp, trip, volunteer experience or being bored at home?
• What things did you enjoy? Things you will try to avoid?
• What strengths did you learn about yourself?
• What things did you find to be personally challenging? Anything you want to work on?
• Are you more comfortable being with / working with others or on your own?
• Are you more of a leader or a follower in a group?
• Did you find an area of interest that you wish to explore as a possible career option or as a new hobby? Can you do research or find others to talk to to learn more?
• Did you learn any coping skills that work for you when things don’t go your way or as planned?
• Have you made any social connections this summer that you would like to further explore?

What goals do you want to set for yourself for the school year?

• Are there any areas where you want to improve academically? What is the plan to make that happen? Do you need to schedule a tutor or an academic coach?
• Are there any goals surrounding your mental health? Do you need to find a therapist to meet with regularly?
• Any social goals? Do you want to reach out to see peers outside of school more often?
• Any goals related to increasing your independence before you are ready to live away from home? (Awakening from your alarm, making your own appointments, keeping track of your assignment deadlines, spending time away from your family, traveling on public transportation, etc.)?

Of course, you may have additional questions to add. Whatever you decide, make sure you schedule a time for this meeting where you and your child are relaxed and distractions are minimized. Holding the meeting in a special spot or over ice cream is even better!

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer.