While summer brings fun, ice cream, and days in the sun, it also presents a significant shift in children’s daily routines and environments, which can affect their mental health. Helping children who may have a mental health diagnosis during these months is essential to their overall mental health outcomes.
Plan for the Impact of Routine Changes
Summertime is a transition from structured days to more fluid schedules. Some children thrive with less structure, while others may experience anxiety due to the decreased predictability. Many families may have planned for or have the resources to offer some formal activities for their children, like summer camps or recreation programs.
When structured activity is not possible, a flexible but consistent routine will help children navigate the summer. Things like daily reading time, physical activity, and social interactions with friends or neighbors are great ideas for kids. Kids can help plan these activities which – in turn – helps them develop the skills to plan and balance their lives.
 Advocate for Good Risk Management
Summer is full of fun, but it can also present many risks for youth of all ages. Families can set boundaries and limits for things like screen time, monitoring social media use, and plans for supervision while parents are working. Summer break may invite challenges like online bullying or interpersonal conflict with friends, which become barriers to healthy outlets like sports and clubs. Kids may avoid healthier choices and gravitate toward other acquaintances which increases the risk of unhealthy social interactions, such as parties with alcohol or drugs. Parents and youth can make a risk management plan to minimize the impact of stressors on emotional well-being.
 Monitor for Emotional and Behavioral Changes
For many youth, summer brings relief from the stressors that can impact levels of emotional distress. For others, however, summer can uncover or exacerbate underlying issues due to changes in routine and the environment. Parents and guardian should keep an eye on changes in behavior or other signs. Spectrum Health’s Buffalo H.O.P.E. COMPHS team is available to help teach new coping techniques if kids are struggling.
Lead by Example!
Parents, grandparents, and older siblings can lead by example, too; everyone should practice some kind of  self-care. Carve out time for hobbies, exercise, and relaxation and let these become part of your family routine.
In helping our kids navigate the joys and challenges of summer, we  should approach summer as a break from school and as an opportunity to foster resilience and mental health in our youth. As always, if the young people in your life need additional support, Spectrum Health is here. Our Spectrum Health C.A.R.E.S. team is available 24/7.
Melissa Farrell
Sr. Vice President of Administrative Operations and Mom
