Summer Fun

It is hard to believe that another summer is almost here! As you plan for your family’s summer adventures, consider these quick tips to maximize success.

• Plan ahead.
• While you likely have some idea of what your child’s summer will look like, they might not. Children often benefit from advanced knowledge of what to expect, including expectations for their participation and behavior. Consider visuals that your child can reference as needed.
• Put it to paper.
• Write down the plans and expectations for your child to refer back to when there are questions. For example, it can be helpful to display a calendar of the family’s plans for the next few months on the refrigerator. Additionally, each child will benefit from a more detailed weekly schedule highlighting what they will be doing each day. Regular check-ins and revisions can set everyone up for maximal success.
• Prioritize structure.
• Structure can be hard to come by due to constantly changing summer schedules; however, children thrive on routine. For this reason, I encourage families to create new, flexible routines- even if only for that week. For example, set limits on screen time and indicate when your child should expect to spend time with friends, rest, play outside, and eat meals.
• Praise success.
• As we have discussed often on the Parenting Learning Center, praise and positive attention are powerful tools to let your child know when you are proud of their behavior. Whether it is adjusting to a new camp, playing cooperatively with siblings at home, or learning a new skill during swim lessons, remember to shine your spotlight.

Katherine Cohn, PhD

Licensed Child Clinical Psychologist

Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

The Woodlands Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, LLC

Visit Our Business Listing Visit Website