How to Support Kids’ Mental Health During Summer Break

jle373
Jun 30
4 min read

Summer break brings a welcome pause from early alarms, packed lunches, and homework stress. But for many kids and their caregivers, it also brings changes that can affect mental health in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

Without the structure and social support of school, some children feel more anxious, isolated, or dysregulated. For others, a lack of routine or supervision can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors or setbacks in emotional development.

The good news? There are many simple, everyday ways to nurture kids’ mental health during the summer months. Whether you're a parent, guardian, educator, or youth-serving professional, here’s how to help kids feel safe, supported, and connected this season.

1. Keep Some Routine (But Stay Flexible)

Summer doesn’t need to be as scheduled as the school year, but kids do thrive on predictability. Establishing a basic routine—like consistent wake-up times, regular meals, and bedtime rituals—can help children feel grounded and secure.

You might also:

Create a weekly visual schedule with activities, meals, or outings
Block out quiet times for reading or creative play
Set limits on screen time (and model healthy use yourself)

This kind of light structure gives kids something to count on without removing the fun and freedom of summer.

2. Prioritize Emotional Check-Ins

With less time spent in school, kids may have fewer chances to talk about what they’re feeling. Make time for small, meaningful check-ins each day—while driving, walking, or winding down at night. Try asking:

“What’s something that made you smile today?”
“Was anything hard or frustrating?”
“What’s something you’re looking forward to tomorrow?”

Use open-ended questions and listen without rushing to solve problems. Kids are more likely to open up when they feel safe and heard.

3. Support Social Connection

Loneliness is a growing concern among kids and teens, and summer break can intensify it—especially for children who rely on school for social interaction.

Here’s how to help:

Plan playdates or park meetups with friends or other children their age.
Enroll your child in local camps or interest-based groups.
Help older kids stay connected to friends through shared hobbies or outings.

Be especially mindful of kids who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, or managing anxiety—they may need extra encouragement or accommodations to stay socially connected.

4. Encourage Physical Activity and Outdoor Time

Movement is a powerful mental health tool. Exercise helps regulate mood, reduce stress, and increase focus—and it doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Consider:

Family bike rides or nature walks
Dance parties in the living room
Sprinkler play or chalk drawing on the driveway
Yoga or mindfulness breaks for calming down

Even short bursts of outdoor play can make a big difference in how kids feel emotionally and physically.

5. Model and Practice Coping Skills

Summer is the perfect time to introduce simple emotional regulation tools. You can teach kids:

Deep breathing or grounding techniques
Journaling or drawing to express feelings
Using “I” statements to communicate needs
Positive self-talk and gratitude practices

The most effective way to teach these skills? Model them yourself. When kids see adults pausing to breathe, asking for help, or reflecting on emotions, they’re more likely to do the same.

6. Watch for Red Flags

While occasional boredom or moodiness is normal, persistent signs of distress may signal something more serious. Pay attention to:

Changes in appetite or sleep
Withdrawal from friends or favorite activities
Frequent headaches or stomach aches
Intense irritability, sadness, or outbursts
Expressions of hopelessness or self-harm

If you notice any of these, consider reaching out to a pediatrician, school counselor, social worker, or licensed therapist.

7. Don’t Forget About You

Supporting kids' mental health starts with caring for your own. Burnout, stress, and lack of support can make it hard to stay patient, present, and connected. Give yourself permission to take breaks, ask for help, and seek out community.

Your well-being is not just important—it’s essential.

Turn to SEWI for Support

Summer can be full of joy, growth, and discovery—but it can also be a time of emotional ups and downs. By staying connected, offering structure, and checking in regularly, you can help kids feel safe and supported through it all.

Mental health isn’t just a school-year concern—it’s a year-round priority. And with a little intention, we can all help kids carry their sense of belonging and well-being into the summer sunshine and beyond.

SEWI offers a variety of programs and resources that empower youth and families, including those navigating mental health challenges. During summer and beyond, we help young people build confidence, life skills, and community connections in a safe, inclusive space.

If you’re a parent or caregiver:

Explore SEWI’s resources to support social-emotional emotional development and resilience in youth. Check out our Social and Emotional Learning for Youth (SELFY) programs here, which enrich youth with essential tools and skills for positive identity development, healthy relationships, and enhanced mental well-being.
Connect with your child’s school to learn about mental health services available during the summer months.
Reach out to our team for more information about potential workshops and resources.