What Should I Do with My Kids this Summer?
And other tips from a child therapist to make your summer awesome
Summer break is finally here (or will be shortly)! You've been waiting for this moment for months, but now that it's arrived, you're wondering, "What should I do with my kids this summer?" You surely want your little ones to have a blast, let go of any school stress, and embark on exciting adventures to create unforgettable memories for a lifetime! But you also know that things can quickly spiral out of control without a plan, leading to boredom, restlessness, and behavior issues. Don't worry! You can make this summer's best for your family with proactive parenting and careful planning.
Get ready to discover exciting ideas for fun activities, tips for managing transitions, and strategies for supporting your kiddos' emotional regulation and behavior. Let's make this summer an unforgettable adventure that your whole family will treasure for years!
Managing Summer Transitions from Routine to Freedom
Summer break excites children but can pose challenges as they adjust to a new routine. Parents’ most important role is to support their children's growth and well-being by creating a structured schedule. With thoughtful planning, parents can help their kids navigate this transitional period and maximize their summer months.
Set Expectations: Talk to your children about what the summer will look like. Discuss any changes to routines, activities, and expectations during this time.
Create a Schedule: While summer is a time for relaxation, having a loose schedule can help maintain some structure. Include time for activities, chores, and downtime. Keeping consistent routines for meals, bedtime, and activities can help mitigate disruptive behavior stemming from changes in routine.
Plan Activities: Plan some fun activities for the summer, such as day trips, outings to the park or beach, and arts and crafts projects. This can give children something to look forward to and keep them engaged. More on this further down in the blog!
Limit Screen Time: With more free time, children may be tempted to spend more time on screens. Set limits on screen time and encourage other activities, such as reading, playing outside, or engaging in creative projects. Physical activity, in particular, is important! Encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities like swimming, biking, and family hikes to boost their physical and mental well-being. This can also help reduce any leftover school stress and anxiety.
Encourage Independence: Summer can be a great time for children to develop independence. Encourage them to take on responsibilities around the house and to try new activities on their own.
Managing Dysregulation: Be aware of signs of dysregulation, such as irritability or meltdowns. Respond calmly, minimize triggers, and offer comfort and reassurance. Once they are more regulated, engage in dialogue to address any issues.
How should I change my parenting during the summer?
Many of our Texas families find that the summer break relieves a good deal of stress and tension in their relationships with their children. Without school pressures and responsibilities placed on the child, you may find that there are less arguments and more peace in the home. But that is just a false sense of security. As school starts back up in the fall, you’ll still be dealing with the same issues you faced this school year. With that in mind, the summer is a perfect opportunity to begin to work on some of the challenges and problem behaviors noticed throughout the school year, to prepare for the one to come.
Keeping Kids Engaged During the Summer
Summer offers the free time needed for families to create unforgettable moments together. While maintaining routines is essential, remember to inject your days with excitement and exploration. Here are some suggestions to help your children embrace the summer months with enthusiasm and purpose, ensuring a rich and rewarding experience.
Options, options, options!: Encourage your children to engage in various activities to help them learn and grow. There are countless options, including art projects, cooking, gardening, and community service. You can also try exploring new hobbies, such as learning musical instruments, picking up a foreign language, or trying out a new sport. To boost your child's confidence, support them in exploring their passions by signing them up for classes or camps related to their hobbies.
Create a Summer Bucket List: Working with your children to create a summer bucket list can help them stay motivated and excited about their summer goals and activities. You can make it more enjoyable by checking off items from the list together every week. Enjoy the sunny weather and plan family outings to amusement parks, water parks, or even camping.
Enjoy Magical Moments: Create magical moments with your kids by having dinner outdoors, stargazing, or catching fireflies. These shared experiences can create lasting memories and provide structure during the more relaxed summer months.
Staying Connected: Engaging in meaningful discussions with your children can enhance your understanding of their experiences, emotions, and obstacles. Demonstrating sincere curiosity and acknowledging their accomplishments can nurture a bond of trust and intimacy. You can give undivided attention, make eye contact, smile warmly, use gentle gestures, and actively participate in conversations.
Summer is a perfect time to start therapy!
Parenting is a challenging task, particularly during the summer break. That's why the North Texas Adult & Child Counseling Center in Southlake is here to assist. Our skilled team of therapists provides valuable behavior support for children, helping them navigate social interactions and develop positive relationships. Our child counseling services offer personalized support, helping children deal with dysregulation and providing customized guidance and strategies to overcome obstacles.
Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey with us? Take the first step toward resilience and growth by scheduling a consultation with a Fort Worth child therapist today! Contact us at the North Texas Adult & Child Counseling Center by calling 817-701-9595, emailing us at northtxadultcounselingcenter@gmail.com, or clicking here to schedule your free consultation. Let's partner together to make this summer one to remember!
