Summer can be a magical time for kids—more freedom, play, and sunshine, but it can also bring a surprising mix of emotional challenges. I remember having mixed feelings myself when I was a kid. Summer meant more alone time and summer camps because my parents were working. I was uneasy with the prospect of meeting new kids and missed my full daily routine during the school year. I remember feeling like I must be weird to feel this way and figured I was alone in being hesitant about summer.

What Parents Can Do to Support Kids’ Feelings

Naming the feelings

Naming and normalizing feelings can be a first step in help our kids and ourselves cope with uneasiness. We can even suggest to kids that if they are having anxiety about the months ahead that “It is okay to feel bored sometimes,” or “You miss your shool friends. That makes a lot of sense.” Just simple open communication can calm our kids when they are feeling alone.

Summer for self care

This statement sound fancy but self care for a kids could mean simply taking time to watch a favorite TV show, or running through the sprinkler in the backyard. Checking in with out kids to see if how full there emotional cup is can be an important step to connecting with out kids.

Quiet Time

Allowing kids unfettered time to just be giving them time to process big emotions. Some days can be quiet where kids can wonder and just relax. They may feel bored but that’s ok! They may end up discovering new interests or creative curiosities.

Tools + Activities

Books and resources can helpful to have around. Sitting with your child and reading a book or filling out feelings activities can be a way to spend quality time and learn more about what is going on inside.

Summer can be full of sunshine and freedom, but it’s also a season of change, and that can stir up big feelings for little ones. As parents and caregivers, the most important thing we can do is stay curious, connected, and compassionate. When we make space for all the feelings joy, boredom, sadness, excitement, we help our kids feel seen, safe, and supported through it all.