As August arrives, so does the all familiar back-to-school scramble. Store aisles crowd with parents clutching crumpled supply lists searching high and low for that one specific item. Where are the college ruled notebooks? Why are there no RED folders left? 

Preparing for a new school year can feel like a race to check all the boxes before the bus even pulls up on day one. But there are crucial items that won’t be included on any lists sent out by schools… even if educators wish they could. 

Summer often arrives with anticipation, planned vacations, and more time with family and friends. For others, summer means packed calendars, pressure to make memories, and big expectations. It’s easy to get caught up in what we think our summers should look like instead of how our summers should feel. 

The month of June brings longer days, warm weather, and more opportunities to spend outside with friends and family. Summer reminds us to pause and slow down but it doesn’t take away all the stress and busyness.