Helping Children Transition Through Summer Schedule Changes
Reduce anxiety by helping children successfully navigate changing summer routines. Easing children into summer schedules is most successful when you keep anchor routines consistent. Maintain stable wake-up times, mealtimes, and bedtimes. Supplement with visual schedules so they anticipate daily activities, and give them control with age-appropriate choices.
- Preview the Summer: Use physical calendars or charts to map out summer camps, vacations, and family time. This helps kids mentally prepare. Use bright colors or fun stickers to keep them involved in the planning.
- Balance Downtime and Different Activities: Prevent burnout by mixing high-energy outings, like a day at the Public Library, with calm days at home enjoying a favorite movie or reading books together in a fort built with couch cushions and blankets.
- Reframe the Change: Build positive associations by planning a “last day of school” party or a special family treat to celebrate the start of summer. Make it an outing to pick up school supplies and a new outfit or two for the start of school coming towards the end of the summer. Talk about the “exciting” changes that will come with this upcoming school year. Keep it positive and ask for help with lunch ideas if they bring lunches to school or fun after school snacks they may enjoy.
- Maintain Sleep Hygiene: While bedtimes can shift slightly, keep a predictable wind-down routine (e.g., dimming lights, reading) so their circadian rhythms aren’t severely disrupted.
Transitions are hard for many children because they require shifting expectations. Give advance notice, use visual schedules, maintain predictable routines, and validate emotions. Younger children especially benefit from countdowns and simple explanations.
Our therapists help children and parents build coping skills during transitions. Immediate daytime appointments are available.
