Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen— Summer Break is on the horizon!
For many kids, this highly anticipated time can be an exciting opportunity to relax and try new things. But entering Summer vacation likely means disrupting the steadfast family routines established over the past 10 months. These sudden changes in schedule can often be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking, and parents often report that their child’s adjustment to Summer activities can be a challenging process. So what can be done to help kids settle into the Summer?
1. Provide Intel
Whenever possible, let children know in advance about upcoming changes in routine and specific details about what to expect. This valuable intel includes the 4W’s: Who, What, Where, and When. Anxiety is often perpetuated by perceptions of uncertainty and sense of powerlessness. Simply being told what to expect can improve a child’s sense of control over their world, as they will no longer be met with a myriad of surprises. Allowing your kids to have a say in choosing the activities or camps they will be attending is another way to give back some of the control, and children can be reassured that they are going to enjoy their break.
2. Expand their Repertoire of Strengths
Adults and children often limit themselves by maintaining personality-related beliefs. When we become focused on certain elements of our personality, it prevents us from noticing when we behave differently. Although a child may often feel anxious or find it difficult make friends, it’s also likely there have been plenty of moments when he or she has been brave and friendly. Helping your child to identify and celebrate situations when they have utilized flexibility, courage, curiosity, and friendliness as a strength will begin to bolster their sense of confidence in meeting new situations.
3. Showcase Mindfulness Skills
In recent years, there have been an increasing number of initiatives to support children in the process of developing mindfulness and self-regulation skills.
Chances are, your child has already mastered one or two (… or eight!) exercises for relaxation and grounding. Encouraging them to see Summertime changes as opportunities to practice and showcase their mindfulness skills can make this daunting change an exciting one, and remind them they are already empowered to meet these challenges.
For parents seeking more Mindfulness Resources:
Take a look at Mindful Parenting: How to take stress and anxiety out of raising kids by Juliann Garey for more information: http://childmind.org/article/mindful-parenting/
As well as Anxiety BC’s resource for teaching mindful breathing to children: https://www.anxietybc.com/parenting/how-teach-your-child-calm-breathing