Ready for the end of the school year?

Posted by Nicole Seitzinger, LPC

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
​John Lubbock


Summertime is often associated with a sense of freedom and rejuvenation. It is a wonderful time to reset and slow down our day to day lives. While it is important to have this flexibility, it can also feel overwhelming. Many parents and children struggle with the transition out of school and into summer.  Some parents feel the need to schedule every moment of their child’s day, whereas some feel it is a time to allow their children complete freedom. 

Although summer is a time of being more flexible, it is important to still maintain some structure and routine. Children benefit from structure and routine, and having these in place all summer, can ease the transition back to school in the fall. Things such as consistent bedtimes, meal times, and expectations throughout the day are great examples of easily implemented routines. Some children also benefit from having summer goals or chores they spend a portion of each day/week working towards. 

Along with the flexibility of summer, we often see more downtime and in turn, more screen time. Although it is an easy habit for both kids and adults to fall into, limiting screen time during the summer is very important. Summer is a great time to build new interests, new hobbies, and spend time outdoors. Children who spend time away from screens and spend more time playing outdoors have shown to have better emotional regulation and higher self esteem. 

For children who tend to be more anxious, providing them with opportunities to socialize over the summer is also very important. Oftentimes being away from school, allows children to “escape” social interactions that they normally would face each day. By having occasional playdates or being involved in sports/activities, children continue to practice their social skills and build confidence before returning to school in the fall. 

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by having your children home all summer, or feel the need to schedule every moment of your child’s time off, the important thing to remember is balance. Yes, children need structure and routine, but summer is also a time for play, exploration, and relaxation. Finding a balance between these, as well as allowing yourself some “adult time” with friends or self care, can lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling summer for both children and parents.