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Summer Holidays: Create a Smooth Parenting Experience

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The arrival of summer holidays brings a mix of excitement and apprehension for parents. While the break from school offers quality time with the children, it also presents unique challenges in terms of keeping them entertained, managing schedules, and maintaining a sense of harmony. Parents face some common challenges during the summer holidays. In this article we provide practical strategies to make the experience easier and enjoyable for everyone.

Balancing Work and Childcare

Flexible Work Arrangements

If possible, negotiate flexible work hours for the summer months. You can also try remote work options. Summer camps and daycare services can help parents find a balance between work responsibilities and childcare during the holidays.

Share Responsibilities Equally 

Collaborate with your partner, co-parent, or other family members to share childcare duties. This may involve someone else dropping or picking the children to and from activities, sports, or playdates. Bringing in a community of support, however small, can alleviate your load and provide children with diverse experiences.

Keeping Children Engaged and Entertained

Planning Activities

Create a schedule and plan age-appropriate activities. Be sure to include outdoor experiences where possible. Save craft projects for when the weather is bad, or for when you are unable to take the children out. Organize a visit to a local charity or animal shelter, or find out if they have programs for youth to get involved in. Attractions in your area is also a fun option.

Some parents do an activity carpool with other parents who have children around the same age. This involves one parent taking all the kids for an activity or hosting them one week, and the next week the other parent does so. 

Enroll in Summer Programs

Find out about summer camps, recreational programs, or specialized workshops tailored to children’s interests. This can provide structure and enhance their social and educational development.

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Embrace Nature

Encourage children to spend time outdoors and explore nature. This does not mean you must take them camping in a national park. It can be as simple as going to your local park and observing, having a picnic, or playing. Physical activity moves kids away from the screen and is good for their mind and body.

Manage Screen Time 

Establish clear rules and time limits for screen usage. This will strike a balance between technology and other activities. It will also eliminate back and forth arguing and negotiating about screen time. If children do spend time on screens, which is likely inevitable, make at least half of this time enriching. There are educational apps, interactive learning platforms, and apps to build creativity that can enhance their digital experiences.

Family Rituals

Establish special rituals for your family. This gives some structure while still being fun and gives kids something to look forward to. This could be cooking together, movie nights, personal storytelling, pancake mornings, volunteering as a family, or yoga in the garden. 

Introduce Alternatives

Expose children to alternative activities and hobbies. It may take them some time to find one that occupies them as much as gaming, or you might not find the screentime equivalent. Still, try a variety of different things and hopefully your child will come across something that engages them. This can include listening to audiobooks, a sport, knitting, collecting flowers and drying them, finding bugs, playing an instrument, singing, or dancing. Playing family games or board games also offers togetherness and a well-rounded experience. 

Create a Summer Schedule

Try to have a flexible but consistent routine for the holidays. This should include regular mealtimes, designated play or learning time, outside time, and rest periods (for young children). A routine, even a loose one, gives kids structure and stability.

Involve Children in Planning

Include children in decision-making about their activities and outings. Ask for their feedback when creating a schedule. This will empower them and increase their cooperation.

Communicate

Discuss the expectations you have for the kids during their holidays. Also talk about boundaries, behavior and responsibilities. Ask them what they want out of their vacation, and try to incorporate that where reasonable. This will add clarity and reduce conflicts.

Self-Care for Parents 

Take some time for self-care activities. These include exercise, hobbies, relaxation, or socializing. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you manage stress and recharge, keep your patience while parenting, and maintain your mental well-being. 

Connect with other parents. They can be a source of information about things to do for kids around your area. Other parents can also provide guidance, validation, and an outlet for sharing challenges.

Trust Mental Health has a team of BIPOC therapists that are experienced in therapy for teens, child therapy, and family therapy. Contact us today for a free 15 minute consultation. 

 

FAQs

How can I support my child’s mental health during the summer holidays?

Maintain a routine, encourage physical activity and social interaction, ensure good sleeping and eating habits, and seek professional help for further assistance if needed.

How can I balance parenting responsibilities with the summer holidays?

  • designated “me time” and activities for your children 
  • connect with other parents, family members, or friends who can assist you
  • practice self-care
  • plan outings with other families 
  • establish boundaries with your children

How do I know if I need therapy?

If you have persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or other emotional distress that interfere with your daily functioning, it may be help to seek support from mental health services. Additionally, if you notice changes in your sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, or have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, it could be a sign that professional support is needed. 

Where can I find a therapist near me?

Trust Mental Health has 4 locations. We offer therapy in San Jose and all over California, both in person and online. 

 

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