4 Ways To Help Children Transition To Summer
- Make a summer vacation list: “Summer Bucket List”(free printable)
Get everyone together and write a list of things you all want to do over the summer, giving everyone a chance to communicate what they are most excited about. This is a great time to promote positive communication AND get everyone excited about what’s to come. Your summer list can be filled with things as simple as movie night, picnic in the park, drive-in movie, camping, making popsicles, etc.
2. Maintain routine
Schools are out and that may mean less structure to the day for some. That being said, it is important to keep a little routine and maintain a lite version of your school year routine. This can help make it easier to adapt to changes.
3. Balance activity and down time
For some, summertime can be filled with trips and summer camps BUT don’t feel the pressure to keep busy. Summer is a great time to slow down and enjoy the downtime.
4. Staying Connected
Staying connected is one of the most important parts of transitioning into summer. Children thrive in social interaction and being with friends. Before year’s end try to gather classmate contact information and try to make plans for the summer. You can coordinate a class outing mid-summer. Nurturing social interaction and connection will help your child thrive when they return to school.
How to stay connected over summer:
- Make sure to collect contact information before school ends
- Plan a multi-family field trip (with classmates)
- Keep your eye out for local events
- Plan meetups and get-togethers
- Send a postcard if you are traveling
