How Summer Break Can Affect Your Child’s Mental Health
How Summer Break Can Affect Your Child’s Mental Health
Summer break often brings excitement—family vacations, pool time, and slow days at home. But for some children, the sudden transition from predictable school routines to less structure can be stressful.
Without the school structure, some kids may struggle with mood changes or behavioral problems. Understanding why this shift can be challenging can help parents and caregivers support their child’s mental health during the transitions.
Understanding the “Summer Shift”
The school year gives children routines and consistency that support emotional well-being. School also provides:
- Daily structure
- Social interaction
- Mental stimulation and learning
- Physical activity
When summer break begins, those routines often change quickly.
“It depends on the child, but some kids really thrive with the structure that school provides, and transitioning into an unstructured summer can be difficult,” says Kelsey Traeger, a licensed clinical social worker with the Teenscope and Kidstar Programs at Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah. “There’s also an increase in social isolation and screen time, which can tank their mental stamina and make back-to-school season really hard.”
Research and Summer Mental Health Worries
A survey from the Kids Mental Health Foundation found that half of parents of school-aged children are just as concerned about their child’s mental health during the summer as they are during the school year.
Parents say they worry most about:
- Increased screen time
- Boredom
- Disrupted routines, including sleep schedules
This sudden change can lead to behavioral changes in a child, such as:
- Increased anxiety, tantrums, or irritability
- Clinginess
- Social isolation
- Difficulty adjusting to new environments, like camps or childcare settings
- Disrupted sleep schedules
How Parents Can Support Kids During Summer Break
Supporting your child’s mental health during the summer doesn’t need to be overly complicated or expensive.
“It can be hard, especially for working parents [facing] financial barriers that prevent them from signing up for a structured summer camp,” Traeger says. “Build structure when and where you can. That might look like sitting down with your child and building out a daily schedule for them, and then setting aside weekends or days off as dedicated family time where you go do something fun.”
Traeger recommends these tips to help make the transition from school to summer easier for kids.
1. Keep a consistent routine
Summer schedules can be more relaxed, but maintaining a regular schedule can help children feel secure and regulated.
Try to:
- Keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent
- Serve meals and snacks around the same time each day
2. Balance learning and fun
Keep your child’s brain engaged by incorporating educational opportunities throughout the summer.
You can:
- Check out books at the library
- Visit a museum
- Try crafts or science experiments at home
- Sign up for tutoring if your child struggled in a subject during the school year
3. Help kids stay social
School gives kids the opportunity to see their friends every day, and they may feel isolated in the summer.
Consider:
- Signing up for camps or sports teams
- Organizing playdates
- Spending time with family or neighbors
4. Limit screen time
Without structure, screen time can quickly increase. Instead, offer fun, non-screen options your child can do at home.
Try:
- A reading goal
- Board games or puzzles
- Arts and crafts area
5. Spend time outside
Time outdoors benefits both physical and mental health. Kids do not need elaborate plans to enjoy the outdoors.
Try simple activities like:
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Visiting a playground
- Playing in the yard
Having fun items available like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, or yard games can make your own backyard exciting.
6. Practice “cope ahead”
Traeger recommends using the “cope ahead” method to prepare your child for summer changes.
This means keeping communication open with your child and talking to them about scenarios ahead of time, so they are prepared to deal with stressful situations. This may involve discussing upcoming trips, camps, or changes to their schedule so they know what to expect.
“Parents can help their child deal with missing their friends, a nanny switch, or making new friends at a camp by sitting down with them ahead of time and having a conversation about it. Helping them come up with a game plan to have in their back pocket for certain situations can increase their confidence and reduce anxiety.”
By building a routine, communicating, and staying flexible, parents can help their child process sudden changes and enjoy summer break.
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