As the school year comes to an end, many families look forward to slower mornings, vacations, and more quality time together. While summer can be exciting, it can also be a difficult adjustment for children who are transitioning from the structure of the classroom back into a less structured home environment.
Without the routines, expectations, and social interactions provided by school, children may experience emotional ups and downs, behavioral changes, increased boredom, or difficulty adjusting to being home more often. Summer can also be a time when parents notice more sibling conflict, emotional outbursts, or struggles with motivation.
The good news is that summer provides a valuable opportunity for parents to strengthen connections, create healthy routines, and help children develop emotional regulation and respectful communication skills.
Understanding the Transition from School to Home
During the school year, children follow a consistent schedule each day. They are used to:
● Structured routines
● Teacher expectations
● Social interaction with peers
● Scheduled breaks and activities
● Clear rules and boundaries
When summer begins, children often lose that structure overnight. This transition can feel overwhelming, especially for children who thrive on routine, predictability, or external structure.
Some children may:
● Become more emotional or irritable
● Sleep at inconsistent times
● Spend excessive time on electronics
● Argue more frequently
● Struggle with boredom
● Have difficulty following directions at home
These behaviors are often signs that children are adjusting to change and need support re-establishing routines and expectations within the home environment.
The Importance of Maintaining a Summer Routine
A summer routine does not need to look as strict as the school year, but children still benefit greatly from consistency and predictability.
Maintaining routines helps children:
● Feel emotionally secure
● Reduce anxiety and frustration
● Improve behavior
● Develop responsibility
● Strengthen emotional regulation skills
● Transition more smoothly between activities
Ways to Maintain Healthy Summer Routines
1. Keep Consistent Sleep and Wake Times
Although summer schedules may be more relaxed, maintaining relatively consistent sleep routines supports children’s mood, focus, and emotional regulation.
Try to:
● Keep bedtime and wake-up times within a reasonable range
● Limit late-night screen time
● Create calming bedtime routines
Children who are well-rested are often better able to manage emotions and behaviors.
2. Create a Flexible Daily Schedule
Children thrive when they know what to expect. A simple daily routine can provide structure while still allowing room for fun and flexibility.
Include:
● Morning routines
● Chores or responsibilities
● Reading or educational activities
● Outdoor movement
● Creative play
● Quiet time
● Family connection time
Visual schedules or checklists can be especially helpful for younger children.
3. Prepare Children for Transitions Throughout the Day
Transitions can be difficult for many children, especially when moving from preferred activities to responsibilities.
Helpful strategies include:
● Giving 5–10 minute warnings before transitions
● Using visual timers
● Offering simple choices
● Keeping expectations consistent
Children often respond better when transitions feel predictable rather than sudden.
Helping Children Transition Emotionally from School to Summer
Children may not always express sadness, stress, or anxiety directly. Sometimes these emotions appear as irritability, withdrawal, clinginess, or behavioral challenges.
Parents can support emotional adjustment by:
● Talking openly about changes in routine
● Asking children how they feel about summer
● Validating emotions without immediately trying to “fix” them
● Maintaining opportunities for social interaction and connection
Simple conversations can help children feel understood and emotionally supported.
Teaching Respectful Behaviors at Home
Respectful behavior is best taught through consistency, modeling, and connection.
Model Respectful Communication
Children learn how to communicate by watching the adults around them.
Model:
● Calm problem-solving
● Active listening
● Kind language
● Respectful disagreement
● Accountability and apologies
Children are more likely to show respect when they consistently experience it themselves.
Set Clear Expectations
Summer should still include healthy boundaries and expectations.
Examples may include:
● Speaking respectfully to family members
● Cleaning up after activities
● Completing responsibilities before screen time
● Using calm bodies and safe words during conflict
Consistency helps children understand what is expected of them.
Reinforce Positive Behaviors
Children benefit from encouragement and positive attention.
Notice and praise behaviors such as:
● Helping others
● Using coping skills
● Following directions
● Showing patience
● Managing frustration appropriately
Positive reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors over time.
Helping Children Develop Emotional Regulation Skills
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage emotions in healthy and appropriate ways. Children continue developing these skills throughout childhood and adolescence.
Help Children Name Their Feelings
Children are more likely to regulate emotions when they can identify them.
Encourage phrases like:
● “I feel frustrated.”
● “I feel overwhelmed.”
● “I feel disappointed.”
● “I need a break.”
Emotion charts, books, and conversations can help children expand their emotional vocabulary.
Teach Healthy Coping Skills
Summer is a great time to practice coping strategies together.
Helpful coping skills include:
● Deep breathing
● Movement or exercise
● Drawing or journaling
● Listening to music
● Spending time outside
● Taking quiet breaks
● Mindfulness activities
Practicing these skills during calm moments makes them easier to use during stressful situations.
Stay Calm During Emotional Moments
Children often rely on adults to help them feel safe and regulated during difficult moments. Responding calmly teaches children that emotions can be managed safely and respectfully.
Instead of reacting immediately:
● Pause before responding
● Validate the child’s feelings
● Maintain calm body language and tone
● Offer support and problem-solving once emotions settle
Children learn emotional regulation through repeated experiences of co-regulation with supportive adults.
Final Thoughts
The transition from the classroom back home during the summer can be both exciting and challenging for children and families. While routines may shift, maintaining
structure, connection, and emotional support can help children feel secure and successful throughout the summer months.
Parents do not need to create a “perfect” summer schedule. Small moments of consistency, patience, and connection can make a meaningful impact on a child’s emotional growth and well-being.
By maintaining routines, encouraging respectful behavior, and supporting emotional regulation, families can create a summer environment that promotes both fun and emotional resilience.
Written by: Sierra Gandy
