This winter in Colorado was warm—but summer is still on the way! Child psychologists in Littleton are already working with parents on plans to keep their children regulated, entertained, and safe over the summer. For some families, summer break is an endless vacation with no demands, no requirements, and no issues. For the other 99%, summer break is littered with arguments, meltdowns, sibling conflict, and the never-ending chorus of “I’m bored!” Here are some tips to get summer off to a happier note!
Embrace Structure, But Allow Flexibility and Spontaneity
Should you sign your kids up for all the camps and activities this summer, or let them run free? Most child psychologists will suggest that a balanced mix of both is key. Some structure, such as a day camp, week-long adventure, or participation on a summer sports team or drama club, will help to maintain a sense of structure—and ensure your child doesn’t spend the next three months brain rotting. But your kid doesn’t want to be busy full-time like they are in school! Make sure your child has free time to build executive function skills, learn self-soothing, and maybe even spend time outdoors. Consider your child’s specific needs and preferences: do they hate getting up early in the morning? Now is the time to sleep in! Obsessed with LEGO? There are camps! Just want to spend every waking moment with her friends? See what the friends are signed up for. Make sure to plan summer trips and family visits in advance; most children’s programming in the summer is designed for this sort of flexibility.
Don’t Forget Friends! Build Social Connections All Summer Long
Speaking of friends, summer is not a break from friends! If your child struggles with social cues and making friends, the summer is a great time to try out a social skills group or new activity. If your child has friends from school, make sure to get contact info before the last day! This is especially true for late elementary-school and middle school kids (think: 9-13 or so), who usually want to socialize, but not have the social finesse (“I don’t know how to set up my own playdate!”) or tools (“I don’t have my own phone!”). Are your kids playing online games with friends? Offer to take them someplace in real life. A day at the trampoline park is almost always better than another day on screens!
Build-In Learning Reminders and Practice
Should you make your kids do homework this summer? You don’t want them to forget all that they’ve learned… right? Psychologists working with kids in Littleton know that kids are as excited about “homework” on vacation as adults would be about “submitting a quarterly report” on vacation—not happy at all! So steer clear of the workbooks and quizzes, and lean into more natural learning. Does your child like to bake cookies? Maybe you’ll let him… but only if he can make a double batch—without using a phone! Get your child interested in reading as a hobby and it never feels like work: try graphic novels, comics, or even picture books. Reading isn’t just about words—it’s about mental and emotional processing and sustaining attention to a quiet source. Have your child help budget for the family vacation, or determine if it is more efficient to drive or fly in this economy. Summer is for applying learning.
Summer can also be an excellent time to work on emotional and behavior goals. Working with a child psychologist over the summer can be a way to continue progress made over the school year, and ensure success in the future. Many play therapists use nature and extra-fun activities for the summer so your child stays engaged! Call today to set up an appointment with a child psychologist in Littleton.
