Surviving and Thriving: A Parent’s Guide to Summer Break

As the school year winds down, many parents feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about the upcoming summer months. While summer offers a chance for relaxation and family connection, it can also bring new challenges: disrupted routines, bored kids, and the pressure to keep everyone engaged and happy.
Here are a few tips to prepare both you and your children for a mentally healthy summer:

1. Create Structure:

Children and teens thrive on routine. While summer should feel less rigid than the school year, some structure helps maintain a sense of stability. Set consistent wake-up times, meal schedules, and designated times for activities like chores, reading, and screen time.

2. Plan Activities—But Leave Space:

You don’t need to schedule every minute. Camps, vacations, and family outings are wonderful, but downtime is equally important. Boredom can actually foster creativity if kids are given the space to explore and problem-solve on their own.

3. Prioritize Mental Health:

Summer can be a great time to focus on emotional well-being. Encourage open conversations about feelings, especially with teens. Consider setting goals together, like trying a new hobby, volunteering, or practicing mindfulness activities as a family.

4. Maintain Social Connections:

For many kids, school is their main social outlet. Help them stay connected with friends through meetups, sports, or group activities to prevent feelings of isolation.

5. Take Care of Yourself, Too:

Parents often feel pressure to make summer “perfect.” Remember: it’s okay if not every day is magical. Prioritize your own self-care—your mental health sets the tone for the entire family.

With a little planning and flexibility, you can help make this summer a season of growth, connection, and lasting memories.

About the Author:
Chuck Junkin, LPCC-S, is the Chief Clinical Officer at My Integrity Counseling. With over 25 years of experience helping individuals and families strengthen their mental health, Chuck is passionate about empowering parents with practical strategies to build healthier, happier homes.