How To Transition Into Summer For Kids With Anxiety

The school year is winding down and summer is quickly approaching. For many kids this is an exciting time with promises of late nights, sleeping in, endless sunny days, and loads of free time. For kids with anxiety (and other mental health disorders), the transition from school to summer can be plagued with angst from the unknown.

If your child suffers from anxiety, ADHD, or depression, there are a few ways you can help him/her adjust to the change that summer brings.

Maintain a Routine to Help Transition Kids with Anxiety into Summer

For many kids, the biggest hurdle of summer is the ever changing day. During the school year there is predictability in classes, schedules and events. But in the summer all of that changes. And for kids with anxiety, the worry of the unknown can take over and create problems where you least expect them.

For some it’s fun and exciting to have a free summer, while for others, the lack of structure can be anything but.

If your child suffers from anxiety, maintaining a routine can be greatly beneficial. Keep wake up times, bedtimes, and meal times about the same as before. The constant in these times helps regulate our systems and will help when it’s time to return to school.

It’s important for a child with anxiety to know what’s coming next. It can be nerve wracking and exhausting trying to figure out what may happen. When a child has structure, they can free their mind of “what if”. When a child with anxiety knows what comes next, they can ease some of that anxiety.

Planning Ahead and Posting a Schedule Can Help Ease Anxiety in Kids

Many kids with anxiety or other mental health issues depend on structure. When that structure is established, they know what to expect and come to depend on knowing what comes next.

With the natural change in summer schedules, it’s important to plan ahead to help ease your child’s anxiety. While it may not seem important to you if you go to the pool on Monday or Wednesday, it is very important for your child to anticipate that he/she is going to the pool on Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:30. If your child suffers from anxiety, take some time and plan out your days in advance. You will have to find the right balance of how much to plan, and how much down time to leave unplanned.

When you have your schedule, post it for the whole family to see. If your child is small, you can use pictures to help him/her ease from one activity to the next.

Keep in mind that having a structured routine doesn’t mean filling every minute of the day with pre-planned activities. The point is to help your child see and mentally prepare for what’s coming next.

Get Outdoors

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and get some mood boosting sunshine. It can be easy, especially for kids with anxiety, to allow them to stay inside while staring at iPads/TV’s. Getting kids outdoors can improve mental health. You can sign your child up for a summer camp, but you don’t need to get fancy…biking, sprinklers, water balloons, and sidewalk chalk all get the job done.

And if you’re wondering, yes, you can schedule outdoor time! While you don’t have to write on the schedule “bike from 6-6:30”, you can schedule going outside after dinner every night. You can go for a walk or just relax in the backyard. The object is help your child know and expect what’s next.

Transition Summer into Family Time to Ease Anxiety in Kids

While kids get freedom from their work, most parents don’t have the same luxury. While you may not be able to bask in the sun every day this summer, help your child by investing in family time. This doesn’t have to be done in grand gestures, but instead, in simple activities done together.

Plan/schedule a night each week to cook dinner together. You can make a routine of Tuesday night game night. Saturday mornings can be build your own pancakes. You can have a fire, BBQ, or roast s’mores. Whatever it is, dedicate some time this summer, plan it, schedule, make it a routine, and spend time together as a family. Your child will not only come to expect it, it may be the highlight of his/her summer.

Counseling for Kids with Anxiety in Washington, PA

The summer can be great fun for kids and parents alike. With some preplanning, you can help ease your child’s anxiety and help him/her adjust to the newness of summer routines.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health, or if you feel your child’s anxiety is making everyday decisions difficult, you may want to consider talking to a therapist.

We help kids of all ages learn to understand their feelings and move forward. We use varying methods including art and play therapy, all based on your child’s needs and interests.

If you’ve considered therapy for your child, or if you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. You can also talk to us on Facebook and Instagram, too.