Steinbach Councillor reflects on summer and encourages parents as school begins

It is the first day back to school for many students across the southeast. 

At this week’s Steinbach City Council meeting, Councillor Damian Penner spoke directly to parents of school-aged children. 

“We made it,” he said. “Summer has wound down to a close and we finally get to send the grumbling mini-me's back to school.” 

Penner reflected on the challenges and joys of summer break, from late-night bedtimes leading to tired mornings, to the inevitable messes that come with family fun. 

“We survived the water fights in the backyard that somehow ended up creating a bigger mess on the dining room floor and kitchen than in the backyard, and we even survived the persistent sound of the pantry door opening and closing every 10 minutes to help satisfy the hunger that only a child’s summer vacation can have.” 

Still, he said summer is a special time to connect with his kids in ways that are not always possible during the busy school year. 

“Children learning academics throughout the school year, and while those are important lessons to help usher a child into adulthood, the summer is a time when children get to interact with adults, learning by example on how to converse, act properly in different social settings, and maybe even get some one-on-one time playing catch in the backyard.” 

Like many parents, Penner admitted he wonders how quickly summer slipped away. 

“Summer is supposed to be a time when everything slows down and we get a chance to relax, each summer that passes seems to fly by faster than the one previous and feels like just as the scent of Canada Day fireworks have dissipated from the air, it's time to start shopping for school lunches.” 

He acknowledged that parents may sometimes feel guilty about not doing enough but reminded them that the little things matter most. 

“If you were to ask your kids about all the things they did and enjoyed this summer, you would soon realize that you have impacted your children in ways that you may have never even considered or appreciated.” 

While trips and big activities can be memorable, Penner said the small daily interactions are just as important. 

“The morning hug they get every morning when you first see them. The kind words of encouragement you give them when they land that flip on the trampoline that they've been working on all summer or the home cooked meal you grilled on the BBQ while you had your family over for a backyard party.” 

He added that these moments are what help shape children as they grow. 

“These daily intentional interactions you have with your kids is what lays down the foundation of what your children will think is a normal family life as they mature into adulthood. And God willing, they do it better than us when it becomes their turn.” 

Penner closed by recognizing the effort of parents everywhere. 

“So, summer winds down and we transition back into the school year, know that your children are better today than they were yesterday. They've grown physically and emotionally. And the lessons, regardless of how intentional they may have been, have been taught,” he says. 

“Parents, we've done our duty to our children to keep our children alive for the last two months. And now it's time to get them to school, give them a loving hug and say, ‘Now go bug your teacher’.”