We’ve reached that time of year when schools have let out for a long and well-deserved summer break. This is an exciting time for students to not only de-stress from all their hard work and studious responsibilities, but it also gives them time to refocus on their other passions! Having no homework can allow students to develop their social skills and broaden their experiences. The transition from following a school day routine to having ample amounts of free time in the summer can be a tough adjustment for families. Here are some tips that your kids can follow to manage the change in routine for the summer and help decrease unstimulating instances.
Be a Kid:
Take this time to enjoy bonding moments with your child doing activities that interest you both! Experiencing day trips to the beach, park, a town fair, etc. can create memories that will last forever! Family time is a great way to eliminate some of the boredom of summer. Find a new recipe for your family and cook together, suggest a movie night, share funny stories over a bonfire!
Find Your Passions:
This time off is a great way for your child to embrace their interests and hobbies outside of school. Look for opportunities for your child to participate in activities with other kids who share their same passion. Art classes, music lessons, recreational sports leagues, etc. are great ways for your child to engage in social activities and stay in touch with their school friends and even meet new friends too!
“But Mom! 5 More Minutes!”:
Maintaining the balance of getting enough sleep and getting too little can be tricky to navigate for your child/adolescent…especially on weekends and school breaks. However, it’s super important for children and adolescents to get the appropriate amount of sleep as it can affect their behaviors and social/emotional wellbeing. While in the absence of school start times there isn’t a mandatory wake up call, it’s still suggested to keep your child in a routine. Engage in an activity such as a morning family walk or reading time that requires your child to wake up around the same time each morning. Routines are important for children as they will remain more confident and secure when they have a structured outline for each day. This will also help ease the transition to waking up for school when the time comes!
Get Pumped for the New School Year:
Parents, we know that you will be relieved to send your children back to a full day of school; let’s get your kids excited for it too! Suggest or require that your students start their back-to school packets earlier in the summer, so they don’t dread the last-minute responsibility. Take time over the break to read with your kids and brush up on subjects that they are not enthused/have more difficulty with. If your child is going to enter a new school, make sure to support them in that transition by going over the school website together or visiting the school beforehand. Make back to school shopping fun. Let them help pick out a cool binder or new pair of sneakers that will make them feel confident starting a new school year!
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