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Sherlene Stevens: Emotional Stages: Spring/Summer Weather

Most U.S. adults and families are now realizing the weather patterns of spring and the approaching summer season.  International continents, months ago, were expressing their concerns of their most recent weather patterns. Some days, the Asian continent's weather temperature was reaching over 110 degrees.

Such dramatic temperatures is a new experience for all global citizens. King James Version Bible declares "We all shall notice at the same time." This may be true. Locally, the northern states would generally have cooler temperatures than the South. Now the majority of our states are experiencing the same weather patterns.

Parents with children. Realizing that most U.S. households are being maintained by female parents, who work, that rely on entrepreneurs who offer summer childcare services.  I think it is important to find a summer childcare-program service that does not require for children to be outside for most of the day. Maybe this would be a summer where you could include more participation or creative ideas from your child's/children's co-parent. As I often express, it is always best to co-parent to provide a sense of security to your child/children whenever possible.  Remember it's not about y'all, the adults, it's about productive child development.

Adults go through the same emotional stages just like children:

  • Shock, denial, or protest;
  • Bargaining;
  • Anger;
  • Depression (anger turned inward, self-anger); and, finally,
  • Understanding and coping.
Lastly, the warmest part of the day is not mid-morning, but around 4 p.m. (EST). So make sure that each person in your unique homestyle drinks more than 64 oz. of water (yes more than) each day! Take refresh breaks when working outdoors or in a non-a/c area.  Be considerate, have empathy, of loved ones or friends who work out in the heat.  Overall, plainly, if it's hot outside than it will be hotter in your form of transportation. Avoid leaving children or senior citizens in a car product that is parked directly in the sun.  Local, community, playground equipment will be hotter, too, which can cause major burns. It is great to sweat, but excessive sweating in not productive in our current climate: tanners, avoid using baby oil because it will clog your pores and make you feel even warmer (only use during winter months); wear open-ventilated shoe product whenever possible; wear loose-fitting clothing whenever possible; and, wash hair more frequently due to pollen and sweat even if a person of color.

This spring and summer I am wearing my mixed-race (black and Native American) hair natural, all summer long, to avoid overusing perms to force my hair into a straight texture (which it actually only does, anyway, in the autumn and winter).  I am not saying that I will wear it natural all the time, forever, but I will try such routine for this spring and summer. Have a great spring and summer, families in local communities!