Summertime is upon us! For those of us highly affected by a school calendar, the summer provides a break from the typical schedule. Children especially can have a lot of unstructured time. I have fond memories spending my summer vacation as a child on road trips, visiting friends, and going on more than a few visits to the swimming hole! While many consider this break a much-needed reprieve, summer can present some pitfalls.

I find it interesting to observe the way the change in schedule impacts my patients. Some do much better during the long summer break. This is particularly true for individuals who mainly came to therapy because of school-related stressors. Others have a harder time during school breaks. With this in mind, I offer a few recommendations to help you have as much fun as possible this summer.

Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule

Parents may feel tempted not to enforce bedtime during the summer. As a psychologist, I strongly advise against this. Even though children may resist summer bedtimes, many reasons make consistent sleep worthwhile. Irregular sleep times are highly correlated with mental health issues such as depression. Tired bodies have a harder time regulating emotions. Irregular sleep schedules also tend to increase time alone and decrease time for daytime activities, which are usually more rewarding and/or benefit the child in the long run.

Assign Chores

Chores help keep the household running and teach children valuable lessons and life skills. While children could learn how to do chores as adults, already having these skills makes the transition into adulthood easier. Chores teach responsibility. Kids who do chores learn to accept the reality that sometimes we have to do things we need to do but don’t want to do. Gaining compliance and teaching your child how to do chores properly can increase the time and effort required at first. What better time than the summer to get started? It will pay off in the long run for everyone involved!  

Manage Screen Time

In today’s world, screens provide entertainment, connection to friends, and education for children. There are many good uses for screens exist, yet there are plenty of bad uses as well. I strongly recommend that families set clear guidelines for media use. Include guidelines that define what constitutes appropriate or inappropriate content and specific limitations for how much and when children can use the screens. I highly advise you not to allow screens during and after bedtime. Seek further advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics about screentime here.

Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity improves both physical and mental health. You do not have to take up a strenuous exercise program to experience the benefits of physical activity. Participate in sports or other recreational activities. Many families enjoy going swimming over the summer. Physical activity can coincide with the next tip…plan fun family activities.

Plan Fun Family Activities

Take advantage of the summertime to spend quality time with your family in ways you may not get to enjoy the rest of the year. You could plan larger things such as a vacation or smaller things such as a family cookout or game night. Spending fun time together strengthens family relationships. Building positive sentiment during the fun times fortifies families for when they have to face hard times.

Encourage Positive Social Interactions

Summer can be fairly lonely for some children as they do not have the same social opportunities provided at school. Encourage and/or provide opportunities for your child to enjoy some positive social interactions. This can help your child build social skills, maintain friendships, or even form new friendships. Some ideas for social interactions during the summer include play dates, attending group activities (e.g., camps), or approved contact via electronic means.

Allow Some Downtime

Finally, I strongly encourage that you reserve some down time for your child. Downtime allows your child to explore their own interests, rest, or learn how to cope with boredom (an important skill in its own right). Purposeful downtime also avoids overscheduling your child, your family, or yourself. One of the hopes of a summer break is that everyone can properly relax and prepare to start again when school and other responsibilities resume in the fall.

Tips for Summer: Conclusion

At the end of another school year, we at Lamb Behavioral Health Center hope you will enjoy a well-earned summer break. We hope you find these recommendations useful for getting the most out of your summer. If you find that your summer is less fun than you would like, due to trouble implementing these tips or a mental health challenge, reach out to our office for help.

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Post written by Dr. Gordon D. Lamb, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director

Please note posts are educational in nature and are not intended to replace psychological services when needed.