SUMMER VACATION CONJURES images of carefree days with a welcome change in pace. Parents may dream of breaks from pickup and drop off lines, homework, and tightly packed schedules. As the temperatures warm, we look forward to catching up on sleep, spending more time with friends and family, and planning vacations. The surprising reality is that for many kids, summer can quietly become one of the loneliest times of the year.
The school year provides a structure with clear expectations that positively challenge children cognitively, behaviorally, and socially.
Kids have daily peer interactions, structured routines, and access to sports and clubs for special interests. Saying goodbye at the end of the school year can create a mix of emotions. Parents might expect a mix of excitement, relief, and even some sadness. An emotion that is often missed is loneliness. Tweens and teens are especially at risk for increases in loneliness due to social connection being a central part of healthy social and emotional development. Parents often balance caring for children while working and managing other responsibilities. Feelings of isolation can creep in quickly with long stretches of unstructured time.
In my work as a therapist at Denova Collaborative Health, I see how shifts in routine can affect children’s mood and overall confidence.
The good news is that parents can take simple steps to help kids stay connected and increase emotional support during the break….