INDIANA – “Schools out for summer!” This is potentially one of the most controversial statements of all time – for some, cheers, for others, tears. Summer has the longest and warmest days of the year for kids to enjoy, with a break from structured routines. What could go wrong?
Random sleep schedules, spontaneous pool days, and impromptu picnics may sound ideal to some, but some unexpected and potentially even negative things could pop up. The reality is that children thrive on structure and routine. If the goal is to make meaningful memories and connections with your child, consider implementing some plans and routines in the daily summer schedule.
The main goal in establishing and maintaining a meaningful summer routine for children at home is to be intentional, present, and consistent. These routines do not have to be too strict or time-consuming.
Being intentional with a summer routine can help make it more impactful when connecting with your child. Consider having conversations to assess their interests or desires. Your child may share an idea of an activity they would like to participate in or a new interest they have developed, which will help create more specific plans for your child’s interests. It may also present an opportunity to introduce your child to a new hobby or activity you enjoy. These activities do not have to be fancy or all about checking activities off a wish list, but rather more about being intentional in spending time together doing something that promotes happiness.
To be present in your time with your child requires more than just physical presence. Whether on an elaborate amusement park trip or a backyard worm hunt, being present and engaged with your child can make all the difference in the experience. Ways to truly be present and show genuine interest may include putting your device away and engaging in conversation. Spending uninterrupted and undivided time with them maintains a good connection with your child during summer.
Consistency in your summer routine can mean more to your child and benefit your family more than you may realize. Amid the more unstructured routines that summer break may naturally present, prioritizing quality time with your child consistently can help keep you connected and give your child something to look forward to. These consistent interactions can help promote deeper communication with your child.
Finding stability in the flexibility of a summer break schedule can provide a great opportunity to strengthen bonds within your family. Staying involved, engaged, and connected with your children on a regular basis throughout summer break will encourage more positive relationships.
Here are some simple examples of summer activities:
- Movie nights
- Nature or neighborhood walks
- Backyard campouts or campfires
- Ice cream outings
- Weekly water days (garden hose, trip to the pool, splash pad, etc.)
Staci Chambers, MSW, LSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Delaware Elementary School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 126 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 53,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
