With the summer in full swing, many children are looking forward to their well-deserved break from school. While this season of fun, leisure and relaxation provide a much-needed respite from academic responsibilities, it can also present unique challenges to the mental health and wellbeing of children.
For instance, the sudden shift from the structured school environment to the freedom of summer break can impact a child’s sense of stability and productivity. They may find it difficult to adapt to the change in routine and struggle with feelings of restlessness or uncertainty. Also, children may face a decrease in opportunities for social interactions during summer break, which can result in feelings of isolation.
Despite these challenges, summer time can provide a unique opportunity for parents to prioritize their children’s mental well-being. As a psychiatrist, I understand that certain challenges, such as excessive social media use and social isolation, can affect children’s mental health during this time. In this blog, I will share effective and proven strategies that parents and caregivers can implement to support their children’s mental well-being and foster positive experiences during the summer break and beyond.
Tips to support your child’s mental health this summer
Model healthy social interactions: Parents play a crucial role in modeling positive social behavior. By limiting their own social isolation and demonstrating the importance of in-person connections, parents can inspire their children to prioritize face-to-face interactions. Parents can help facilitate opportunities for their child to spend quality time with family and friends including organizing play dates, enrolling their kids in summer camp, or encouraging them to join clubs or classes that align with their interests. It is equally important to ensure they strike a healthy balance between online and offline interactions.
Address the challenges of social media: While social media has its benefits, it is crucial to find a balance. As children’s brains are still developing, the constant exposure to the dopamine rush induced by social media can hinder the development of vital social skills and real-life interactions. It reinforces specific circuits rather than the desired circuits associated with engaging in direct interactions with other people. It’s crucial for parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s social media activities and encourage face-to-face interactions. Similarly, parents should also guide their children on responsible social media usage and establish boundaries for screen time. Encouraging offline activities, hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends will help contribute to a well-rounded summer experience.
Encourage skill development and embrace failure: Parents can help their children discover new skills and develop a sense of achievement during the summer. By helping them identify activities or hobbies that resonate with their interests, children can experience a boost in self-esteem. Parents should also support their children in embracing failure as an opportunity for growth, resilience and perseverance, especially when they tackle unfamiliar challenges and encounter less favorable outcomes. As a result, this can help children develop essential life skills and a positive mindset. Furthermore, it allows children to learn from their mistakes, bounce back from setbacks, and approach challenges with confidence.
Leverage summer break for mental health support: Summer break also offers an ideal time for parents to address any mental health concerns their children may have experienced during the school year and to seek help during the summer to address that. Taking advantage of the relaxed schedule, parents can consider seeking professional help for their child if signs of emotional distress, such as depression or anxiety, persist. Providing children with the opportunity to address these challenges can pave the way for a healthier and more positive future, and ensure they receive the necessary treatment they need.
Meet your child’s basic psychological needs: Parents should ensure their children’s basic needs are met for their overall mental health. This includes providing a safe environment, promoting healthy eating and sleeping habits, and fostering a sense of love and belonging within the family unit. It’s also important to be aware of the classic signs that might indicate a child is struggling with their mental health including change in appetite and sleep patterns, loss of interest in doing things, and social isolating themselves.
Emphasize self-care: Teach your child the importance of self-care. Encourage them to engage in activities that promotes relaxation, such as reading, journaling, mindfulness exercises or spending time in nature. Do not forget about emphasizing the benefits of physical activity and spending time outdoors. These activities can significantly contribute to positive mental health. Encouraging children to participate in sports, outdoor games or other physical activities helps release endorphins and enhances their well-being. As parents, it’s important to model self-care practices yourself to reinforce their significance.
By understanding the common challenges children face during summer break, parents can play an active role in supporting their mental well-being, and The Harris Center for Mental Health is ready to help too.
If your child requires expert counseling to address their mental health needs, the Harris Center for Mental Health provides comprehensive resources tailored for children and their families. For more information about the Children’s Behavioral Health Services programs at Harris Center for Mental Health, you can visit our website at Children's Behavioral Health Services | The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
