Parent to parent: Downshifting into summer

By John Corrigan

Here comes summer, but it won’t be a season of rest for many students. Whether it’s taking extra classes, traveling abroad or interning at a prestigious company or institution, these up-and-comers see no reason to slow down just because the weather is hot.

Then there are those other students -- you know, the ones who will spend the next three months lying around the house all day and hanging out with friends all night. If they manage to land a summer job, it’s likely to be menial work for minimum wage.

If you fear the second scenario, here are two words of advice: Don’t worry. We’ve seen a little of both in our family, and we’ve learned that a "lost summer" is a very survivable event.

Admittedly, it can be daunting to hear other parents crow about what their kids are doing over the summer. That’s especially so if your student’s plans revolve around going to the beach and watching "Oprah."

A little down time

But keep in mind many students really do need a break by now. Some young people can go right from class to a full-time job or a fast-paced internship, and that’s admirable. But others need a little down time, and that’s OK.

Right now, being a college student is their main job. We want them to excel in school and graduate in a timely manner, and if three months off helps them recuperate and prepare for the academic year ahead, it’s not a bad price to pay.

It also helps to take these seasons one at a time. One summer of missed opportunity doesn’t necessarily mean they will all be that way.

A theme park job

After her first year in college, our eldest daughter studied abroad in Mexico. She lived with a Mexican family, saw parts of the country that most tourists miss, and sharpened her Spanish. It was a terrific learning experience.

After her sophomore year, however, she decided to stay home and work the summer at a theme park. When she interviewed there, the hiring coordinator steered her toward what seemed like a pretty cushy job: wielding a microphone and talking to park guests at one of the attractions.

But she rejected that suggestion, instead asking for a job in the food service operation. And she had her reasons: she said she wanted to learn to work a cash register and to deal with difficult people.

She got her wish. Her food service job didn’t exactly make for great parental bragging rights, and some people might say it was a wasted summer. But she set out to earn money and gain skills, and the experience will probably serve her well in life.

Don’t get too ‘undone’

As parents, we should encourage our students to do something of value over the summer. But we shouldn’t get too undone if they end up doing not much at all. Be thankful that they are busy in school at least nine months out of the year. Summer will pass quickly enough, and they’ll be back in class.

In the meantime, don’t begrudge them a little downshifting. As most of us know, there won’t be much time for the beach once college is over and careers begin in earnest.

Have a great summer.