Phew. It’s finally summer. You and your child have made it through the busy spring season and now finally have a chance to relax. But wait…why do they seem even more worried now?
Kids thrive on structure. Transitioning into summer can bring up feelings of uncertainty and fear of the unknown. And put simply, change is hard!
Young children may struggle to communicate their feelings with words, but anxiety can show up in many different forms. You might notice signs like irritability, tearfulness, clinginess, sleep difficulties, or bad dreams. Sometimes anxiety shows up as stomachaches or headaches. Or there’s another big sign – avoidance.
It can be tricky to know how to best support an anxious child. What is the right balance between comforting them and helping them grow? Here are three practical tips for navigating this transition to summer:
Encourage emotional expression
Young kids might struggle to find the words to communicate their big feelings. You can help by reflecting what you notice: “I can see you feel really worried about this”, “It feels frustrating when things don’t go your way”.
Looking for another age-appropriate way to help young kids express their feelings? Play! Research shows a strong connection between play and positive mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, improved parent-child relationships, and increased confidence. Practice engaging in play with your child – even if it’s just ten minutes of undivided attention. Follow their lead and immerse yourself in their world.
Create structure & predictability
Healthy boundaries are so important for children. Do your best to remain consistent with things like morning and bedtime routines, screen time limits, and age-appropriate chores.
Build in plenty of opportunities for physical activity and social interactions. Both have great benefits for mental health but aren’t always integrated in the same way as they are during the school year.
Don’t “give in” to avoidance
You might think you’re helping your child by letting them stay home from an activity they’re worried about–but this can actually lead to more intense worries long-term. Help your child develop resilience by encouraging them to practice bravery and take small steps towards their fears.
I wish you and your family a summer full of special memories, deep connection, and the rest you might desperately need.
