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By: Michelle Warren, PT & Jacqueline Agnew, OT
Summer is coming! And for some families this is a time of excitement as you look forward to a change of pace, some family vacations, or a much needed break from school-year demands. For others, the impending transition from school routine to summer can be daunting and lead to chaos. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children transition from the school routine to the summer routine. Here are some tips from Play On Pediatric Therapy’s Occupational Therapist, Jacqueline and physiotherapist, Michelle Warren on how parents can support and facilitate this transition.
Start transitioning to the summer routine a few weeks before the end of the school year. Gradually adjust wake-up and bedtime schedules to align with the desired summer routine. The longer summer evenings may already be helping with this.
Talk to your children about the upcoming change in routine. Explain why the transition is happening and what to expect during the summer break. Address any concerns or anxieties they may have and encourage them to express their feelings openly. You could even keep track on the calendar by doing a summer vacation countdown.
Create a flexible but structured daily routine for the summer. Establish consistent meal times, designated activity periods, and a balance between free time and planned activities. Clearly communicate the expectations and responsibilities for the summer routine. This is also the perfect time to plan your family’s Media Plan (you can find free templates online). You can determine how much screen time each child will get each day, where they are allowed to use screens, and any other rules regarding screen use.
Involve your children in planning summer activities and outings by creating a summer ‘Bucket List’. Encourage them to create this bucket list of things they want to do or places they want to visit. This helps build excitement and a sense of ownership over the new routine. There are plenty of free options available, like planning a hike, a picnic, a visit to the library to grab some good summer reads, and even some museums and galleries have free options. The Bank of Canada Museum has a free exhibit for kids called “Money in 10 Questions” until the end of the year 2024. In August, there are free performances at the Ottawa International Busker Festival. New hiking trails or new parks and beaches are also great options.
While routines are important, it’s also essential to allow for flexibility and spontaneity during the summer break. Find a balance between structured activities and unstructured playtime to provide opportunities for exploration, creativity, and relaxation.
Use the summer break as an opportunity for children to develop independence and learn new life skills. Assign age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities, such as helping with household chores, preparing simple meals, or managing personal belongings. This promotes self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. Consider using a chore chart to help your child keep track of his/her tasks.
Even during the summer break, it’s important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Help your children establish healthy sleep habits by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time. This will help with self-regulation, as our bodies make different hormones during different times of the day which help with sleep-wake cycles, immunity and behavior. More tips to help maintain healthy sleep patterns: eat well, keep your temperature regulated, exercise daily, and get outside during the day (don’t forget your sunscreen).
With more free time during the summer, children may be tempted to spend excessive time on screens. Set reasonable screen time limits and encourage a balance between screen-based activities and other forms of play, physical activity, and social interaction. This will also impact sleep cycles.
Promote regular physical activity and outdoor play during the summer break. Encourage children to engage in activities such as swimming, biking, hiking, or playing sports. Join them in these activities to make them more enjoyable and foster family bonding. Physical activity helps in the maintenance of a healthy body and mind. It also helps to regulate sleep.
As a parent, model the behavior and habits you want to see in your children. Show enthusiasm for the summer routine, engage in activities together, and demonstrate a positive attitude towards the transition.
Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be flexible and adaptable in your approach, considering your child’s individual needs and preferences. For those who have more anxiety, it might be wise to use an interactive daily activity and routine calendar which can be adapted as needed throughout the day/week. Make sure to use pictures for kids who can’t yet read.
Happy summer!
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