While most school-aged children excitedly look forward to summer break, the summer months can be challenging for parents, especially those with full-time jobs. Schedules are not as predictable, finding childcare can be stressful, and there’s more pressure for parents to keep their kids busy and entertained. These issues are compounded when children struggle with ADHD or other developmental disorders.
Below are some suggestions for parents looking to enjoy a stress-free summer while still making fond memories for their children.
1. Keep a Structured Routine
Children do better with structure, which is why they generally behave better and act out less frequently at school than they do at home. At school, kids have a clear understanding of what’s expected of them and follow a consistent routine. With school out for the summer, parents should make an effort to maintain some sort of standard schedule with daily and/or weekly activities, routine mealtimes, and a regular bedtime.
If you’re fortunate enough to get your children into daycare or have family members who are able to look after them during work hours, you likely won’t have to worry much about their day-to-day schedules. Otherwise, try to make sure they’re going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, and develop a list of activities to schedule throughout the summer to keep them active and avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” complaints. Kids might even be more excited about these activities if you allow them to help plan their weekly schedules.
While structure is important, it’s fine to leave space for spontaneity or downtime. Parents, particularly those with younger children, need all the breaks they can get in the summer, so don’t fret too much about a little screen time.
2. Go Outside Early in the Morning
Summertime means warmer weather and more opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature. Spending time outside offers a variety of benefits for children, including reduced symptoms of ADHD, increased focus, a lower risk of depression and anxiety, and improved impulse control. It is also associated with physical health benefits, like lower obesity rates and enhanced motor development. In addition, it promotes curiosity and creativity.
Unfortunately, the reality is that some days are too hot to spend much time outdoors. Try to plan outdoor activities early in the morning. If you do spend time outside in excessive heat, make sure that your children are wearing light-colored clothing and a breathable hat, putting on SPF30 sunscreen, and staying hydrated.
“Make sure children always have a filled water bottle with them. Allow your child to choose a fun water bottle and/or straw, and stick to water—not soda or juice,” recommends Brandon Smith, associate medical director of the Harriet Lane Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Children between the ages of 5 and 8 should drink at least five cups of water per day. Those between the ages of 9 and 12 should drink at least seven cups of water per day. And kids 13 and older should drink at least eight cups of water per day.
3. Look into Sports and Summer Camps
Registering your children in outdoor sports activities like baseball, soccer, or golf is a great way to ensure that they spend time outside and burn off energy, make new friends, and stay physically healthy. Kids who participate in youth sports have lower rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression. They also generally have higher self-esteem and are more confident than those who don’t play sports.
Sleepaway summer camps are another great option for busy parents. These immersive outdoor experiences teach children independence and other valuable life skills in a structured and safe environment with accredited child care providers. Kids can also make lifelong friends at these camps.
American Camp Association (ACA) member camps like YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser in Pennsylvania, Camp Runoia in Maine, and Timber Lake West Camp in New York have highly trained counselors and meet strict safety standards. In the ACA Youth Outcomes Study, 96 percent of campers said they made new friends at summer camp, while 70 percent of parents said their children gained self-confidence.
4. Connect with Other Parents
Kids spend about nine months of the year at school, learning and playing with classmates. A lot of their best friends are from school, so in the summer it can be a little challenging to stay in touch with those pals. This is especially true for younger children who may not be allowed to stray from their neighborhood.
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that school friendships have to take a break. You should connect with other parents and set up playdates or organize fun activities.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Juggling work and increased childcare responsibilities can be exhausting for parents. This is why it’s more important than ever to prioritize self-care during the summer. Set aside breaks or time in the day to do things that you enjoy. This can help you to manage stress and will make you feel more relaxed and present when spending time with your children.
