“There’s a particularly sharp opportunity for reinvention when kids are away from home for the summer, at camp or even staying with family,” writes Vanessa Kroll Bennett today. “For so many, it’s an opportunity to make brand new friends or be with dear friends they only see from June to August. For other kids it’s the chance to pursue a passion that lays dormant the rest of the year, things like theater or coding or rock climbing. And for some, it’s a chance to find a community that is impossible to find at home because of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religion. Their summer homes are places to be seen, truly seen, in ways they’re not from September to June.”

So what happens when they go back to the regular grind? Well, Vanessa is sharing some way to keep those summer feelings alive all year long. Check it out.

Kelly Faircloth, Executive Editor

“In my house, books are my go-to when a tough, tricky, or stressful situation comes around. It’s not just about encouraging reading: Books often allow a gateway for kids to verbalize how they are feeling about a situation,” writes Amber Guetebier. “In fact, they help grown-ups get there too. Reading a story together and then talking about it can be a natural way to start a conversation about big feelings like anxiety and fear with kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.” And so she’s rounded up 16 books to help your kids get ready for their first day back at school. Check it out.