Stress Free Summer

6/20/22

Sherry Recht

MA, LCPC

Summer is here! That means sleeping in, overnight camp, water parks, play dates, ice cream trips, no homework, vacations… the list could keep on going. For some kids, the thought of all this sounds mega exciting. Although for many of our children, the idea of change, lack of structure, and hours of downtime can sound like pure uncertainty (and then - distress). . For those who benefit from knowing what to expect, here are some suggestions for getting ahead of those summertime stressors.

1. Create structure and routine – without overscheduling. Having a routine at school makes it helpful for kids to know what to expect each day. Make sure that each day has something planned, whether it be going outside at noon or doing art and crafts at 3:00. A routine that stays consistent with each day while allowing for free time and flexibility can help kids feel secure. Try to stay consistent with bedtime routines, chore schedules, and technology limits.

2. Make a summer bucket list- to help get ahead of the “I’m bored, there is NOTHING to do” days. Write down all the fun activities your kids can think of on popsicle sticks and pop them in a jar. If you have multiple children, have them take turns picking an activity out of the jar to do when there is “nothing to do”.

3. Get outside your comfort zone- and encourage your child to learn something new. This can be anything from a new sport, crafting projects, designing clothes, or making music. Stop by the local library and find books on a topic of interest. Invite your kiddo by saying something like “This summer it would be awesome to learn something new, let me help you find something you might be interested in”.

4. Take advantage of nature- and have a picnic, plant some herbs, or go on a nature walk. For many of us living in the city, we have to get creative to enjoy all that mother nature has to offer. Fill up a bucket with dirt, plant seedlings, and place them near a sunny window. Invite your child to water and tend to the seeds. Go on a walk and collect all of the interesting things you can find- twigs, rocks, flowers, and create art out of your findings. Play a game of ABC mindfulness while on a walk (take turns spying things that start with each letter of the alphabet).

Remember that an amazing summer is not defined only by camps and vacations, it’s about creating those forever memories with you and your kids. This can happen in your home, backyard, or local park. Perhaps the most important thing to schedule this summer is time for connection. Summer break creates this opportunity to spend more one-on-one time playing with your children, and this is what they value above all else.