Navigating Transitions: Helping Your Child Adjust to Summer Break
Summer break is an exciting time for children filled with endless possibilities for fun and adventure. However, it can also be a period of transition and adjustment as routines change and activities shift. As parents, it's essential to provide support and guidance to help your child navigate this transition with ease and confidence.
Validating emotions: The transition to summer break can bring about a mix of emotions for children. While some may be excited about the prospect of freedom from school, others may feel anxious about the change in routine, and others may feel saddened - - missing their friends and teachers. It is essential to normalize and validate all of these feelings and experiences for your child.
Establishing Routines: One way to help your child adjust to summer break is by establishing new routines. While summer may be a time for relaxation and spontaneity, having a basic daily schedule, even if just for a part of the day, can provide structure and stability for your child. Include activities such as outdoor play, reading time, and creative projects to keep your child engaged and occupied.
Fostering Independence: Summer break is an excellent opportunity for children to develop independence and self-reliance. Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, such as helping with household chores or planning outings with friends. Empowering your child to make decisions and take initiative can boost their confidence.
Maintaining Connections: While summer break may bring a break from school, it's essential to help your child maintain connections with friends and family. Schedule playdates, outings, or virtual meetups to keep your child connected with their peers and loved ones. Maintaining these social connections can help alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation during the summer months.
Encouraging Exploration: Summer break is a time for exploration and discovery. Encourage your child to try new activities, hobbies, or interests. Whether it's learning a new sport, exploring nature, or participating in a summer camp, exposing your child to new experiences can foster growth and development.
In conclusion, navigating the transition to summer break can be a smooth and enjoyable process for children. By validating your child's emotions, establishing routines, fostering independence, maintaining connections, and encouraging exploration, you can help your child adjust to summer break with confidence and resilience.
Hi, I’m Dr. Shauna Lynne.
Before founding Newbridge Therapy Center, I earned a Master's degree in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania and Masters and Doctoral degrees in School Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Following graduation, I provided outpatient therapy services to children and their families in the Pediatric Developmental Disabilities Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD, first as a doctoral intern, then as a postdoctoral fellow, and finally as a licensed psychologist.
