Temperatures are rising and school is almost out! Summer can be an amazing, carefree time for children, with fewer responsibilities and more downtime. Summer and no school to occupy the day can also mean less immediate contact with peers and fewer built-in activities to keep your kid busy. In some cases, creating an increased sense of loneliness. Read on for tips to help keep your kid’s mental health in check this summer!
Try to maintain some sort of structure in your child’s day. Kids (and let’s be real, adults too) often thrive within a structured routine. In the summertime, routine often gets thrown out the window; bedtimes become suggestions, meal times are scattered and screen time is at an all-time high. While rest, relaxation and some leniency with your usual rules is expected during the summer months, it is important to create some sense of normalcy and structure for kids to rely on. This can look like having set bedtime (even if it’s later than during the school year), setting a screen time limit or having your child help with household chores to give them a sense of responsibility.
Stay active and get outside. With warmer temperatures and longer days, summer is the perfect time of year to extend your outdoor time. Spending some time in the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our mental health and that of our children. Not only is natural vitamin D good for the body but being outside also allows for an escape from the social media-verse and the blue light emitted by our screens. You can even take it a step further by getting some exercise to boost endorphins and energy levels. Try going for a walk, riding a bike or running through the sprinkler in the yard.
Plan intentional family time. Sometimes we have the best intentions to do fun family activities, and then before we know it, it’s August and the kids are gearing up to go back to school. Prioritize quality time this summer and set aside time each week to spend time with family, even if it’s one night each week having dinner and watching a movie together.
Find free events throughout the city. Most cities offer free events throughout the summer to keep kids and families entertained. Whether it be a free concert, visiting your local museum or nearby historical sites or hitting up the public splash pad, Louisville is crawling with free activities for families to take advantage of this summer. Encourage your teens to attend these activities with friends or make it a family event!
Check in with your kids. Start the habit of checking in with your kid on a regular basis to see how they’re feeling. Whether they are in summer camp or spending all day in their bedroom, there will inevitably be emotions your child experiences throughout their day. Making a conscious effort to check in with them and ask how their day was, how they’re feeling and how they were able to manage any big feelings that came up can be a great practice to help your kid know that you’re there for them.
If your kid is struggling this summer, chat with their therapist about other strategies to help navigate the summer months.
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