Summer break guide: Boosting your kids' and teen's mental health

Summer break is a time of excitement and relaxation for many kids and teens, but it can also bring unique challenges to their mental health. Without the structure and routine of school, young people may experience increased anxiety, loneliness and boredom. But as parents, there are things you can do to help support your child's mental health during the summer months. Keep reading for tips for your whole family to have a great summer! 

The importance of routine 

Maintaining a schedule during summer can significantly benefit mental health by providing structure, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of purpose. Even though school is out, structure is still important for your child or teen to stay on track and avoid boredom. Lack of routine can have negative impact to both physical and mental wellbeing. Sleeping 3 or more hours past a typical wake-time can disrupt circadian rhythm patterns for weeks. 

To help maintain a consistent routine, try things like: 

• Having consistent sleep and wake times.

  Work together to identify consistent sleep hours. This helps regulate their body clock and ensures they get enough rest. 

• Planning scheduled meals:

  Try to have your kids eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time each day. This helps break up the day into manageable pieces. Bonus points if you can sit down as a family for some of these meals! 

• Posting a visible schedule:

  Have a printed schedule for your kids so they know when activities are happening throughout the week. 

• Making time for fun:

  Summer is supposed to be fun! Make sure to include time for activities your kids enjoy, as well as time for chores and responsibilities. 

Managing screen time and social interaction 

During summer, kids and teens may spend more time in front of screens than they would during the school year, wandering or scrolling aimlessly for something to do. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and comparison to lives on YouTube or social media. 

Parents can manage this by: 

• Limiting screen time:

  Set limits on screen time and encourage other activities like reading, outdoor play or hobbies. Join them in the things they like to do so you can enjoy them together! 

• Encouraging social activities:

  Enroll your children in summer activities like camps, community groups, sports or summer school. This helps them remain active and social. 

Recognizing mental health symptoms 

Mental health symptoms can often present themselves through behavior, especially in younger children who may not be able to verbalize their emotions. It's important to pay attention to new behaviors or changes you notice during summer break. 

Common symptoms in younger children may include: 

• Frequent tantrums or irritability 

• Sleeping too much or too little 

• Difficulty making or maintaining friendships 

For older children, mental health symptoms could look like: 

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for 2 or more weeks 

• Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships 

• Drastic changes in behavior or personality 

Using your community 

Engaging in community activities can provide structure and social interaction, which are crucial for mental health. You can find fun – and often, free! – activities at places like: 

• Local libraries:

  Check your local library for summer programs. They often have weekly story times, or you can scan the stacks together for your next read. 

• Community centers:

  Look for events or programs at your local community center. These often include a wide variety of classes or activities that meet different interests your child may have. 

• Parks and play places:

  Get those zoomies out! Getting your children outside (when it’s cool enough) is a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time. 

For older children and teens, search for summer jobs or volunteer opportunities that can provide a sense of responsibility and routine. If you’re not sure where to start, we have some great ideas in this blog! 

Summer break can be a wonderful time for kids and teens to relax and recharge, but it's important to maintain some structure and routine to support their mental health. By setting consistent schedules, managing screen time, recognizing mental health symptoms and getting out in the community, parents can help their children navigate these challenges and enjoy a healthy, happy summer.