Already we are mid way through July and marching through the days of summer with haste. If you are a parent of a school aged child(ren), this means at least six more weeks of summer vacation for them! Time off can be a wonderful thing to have and appreciate, but the reality is that it can also be stressful. Being out of routine, having to come up with creative childcare arrangements, trying to find activities that everyone will enjoy are some of the challenges that parents face this time of year. The following are some ideas to help you navigate the final weeks of summer, while also remembering to have some fun yourself.

1. Take time to plan some fun activities with family and friends:

This is a good time to make plans to connect with others who are important to you. Talk with your children about some of the things they would like to do, and plan things to look forward to. Create a visual calendar so your family can see what is coming up. Game nights, movie nights, picnics, bike rides, park visits, library visits and nature walks are some of the ways you can spend quality time together without having to venture far from home or spend too much money.

2. Be aware of overuse of screen time:

We know that increased screen time for both children and adults can lead to increased difficulties with mood and well being. Physical activity, being outside in daylight and being in nature are all known to improve mood and increase mental well being. Modelling these activities in your own life, and including your children in these activities, is a way to move away from spending too much time on devices and have more balance. Find other interests to encourage and grow in your children, for example, in the areas of art, sports, culture and community.

3. Have a structure in place for the day and the week:

If you don’t already have one in place, take some time to plan how you would like the days to flow, a basic routine, what tasks need to be done on a daily or weekly basis, as well as the role of family members in those responsibilities. Include children in taking on household tasks according to their age and abilities.

4. Focus on developing life skills with your children based on their needs:

For example, teach your children self care skills such as remembering to stay hydrated during hot days, prioritizing getting enough sleep, and having activities they can do to unwind. Set goals around skills for independence that your child would like to achieve, with your support, such as getting dressed and brushing their teeth for younger children, or studying to get their license, for older youth. Work on helping children to learn to regulate emotions by teaching them coping skills, such as using mindfulness, breathing techniques, taking breaks, and asking for help.

5. Make time for learning:

Encouraging your child to continue their learning is good for their mental health, whether it is through reading, doing crafts, science experiments, baking or trying new hobbies, keeping our brains active and stimulated leads to better mental health. Building on your child’s interests, find activities that they can do at home with your help. There are many sources of information you can access, at the library, as well as online. Involve your child in the search for new things.

6. Take care of yourself:

Being a parent is the most important job you will ever do, and in order to support your child’s mental health, you need to also take care of your own. Take some time for yourself to reflect on how you are taking care of yourself as well as your family. Build in time for yourself for socializing, learning, hobbies and relaxation as well as taking care of your physical needs. Balancing fun and relaxation with structure and routine is a challenge for many families over the summer break. Taking some time to make plans for what you want for yourself, and your children is a way we can make this happen. However, even with our best efforts, summer break can be a difficult time for many children and youth, especially without the routine and structure of school.

If you are concerned about how your child is coping, or how you are managing, the experienced clinicians at Pathways To Hope/Brant Mental Health Solutions are here to help support you. Please contact either office at 519.751.0728 or 519.302.2300 to speak with one of our staff.

Christine Bibby, MSW, RSW

Pathways To Hope/Brant Mental Health Solutions