Child, Young Person & family counsellor

I am currently working p/t in Primary and Secondary schools with children and their families

Navigating the Summer Holidays: A Therapeutic Approach for Parents

Ah, summer holidays—the time when the kids are home 24/7, and the phrase “I’m bored” is heard approximately every five minutes. Before you start wondering if you can secretly go back to work for a break, take a deep breath. We’re going to transform this seemingly endless holiday into a summer of laughter, growth, and maybe even a little sanity. Let’s dive into some amusing and therapeutic strategies to survive the summer holidays with your kids!

1. Embrace Structure and Routine (But Make It Fun)

Sure, summer is about breaking free from the rigid school routine, but let’s not descend into complete chaos. Keeping a loose structure can prevent your household from turning into a circus (unless you’re aiming for a literal circus, in which case, carry on!).

Therapeutic Tip: Create a fun schedule with your kids. Call it “The Summer Fun Plan” and decorate it with stickers, doodles, and way too much glitter. Mix in some free play, learning, and family time. Let your kids pick activities—they’ll feel like mini managers.

2. Encourage Outdoor Activities (Because the Couch Doesn’t Need More Love)

Get those kids outside! Nature is the best therapy, and let’s be honest, it’s the best way to tire them out.

Therapeutic Tip: Declare daily “Outdoor Adventures.” Whether it’s a walk to the park, a backyard scavenger hunt, or a picnic (even if it’s just in your garden), these activities are gold. Pro tip: Tell them the Wi-Fi doesn’t work outside. It’s amazing how quickly they’ll rediscover grass!.

3. Foster Creativity and Learning (Without Becoming the Summer School Principal)

Summer is the perfect time to explore new hobbies and interests, but you don’t need to turn your home into a school. Think more “fun camp counsellor” and less “stern teacher.”

Therapeutic Tip: Set up a “Creative Corner” filled with arts and crafts supplies, books, and random junk for building stuff. Rotate activities to keep it fresh. One day it’s painting, the next it’s making a robot or a mask.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation (Or How to Calm the Chaos)

Teach your kids relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. And yes, it’s okay to laugh when they turn into little human pretzels trying to do downward dog.

Therapeutic Tip: Start the day with a family meditation session. Make it fun by imagining you’re all floating on fluffy clouds or chilling with friendly dragons. Apps like Headspace or Calm have kid-friendly sessions. And if you need to giggle through it, that’s fine—it’s therapeutic!

5. Balance Screen Time (Without Starting a Mutiny)

Screens can be lifesavers, but they can also turn your kids into zombies. Find the sweet spot that keeps everyone sane. And parents you have to stick to it too!!

Therapeutic Tip: Create a “Screen Time Treasure Map.” For every hour of non-screen activities (chores, reading, playing outside), they earn screen time coins. Collect enough coins, and they can cash them in for some quality TV or tablet time.

6. Strengthen Family Bonds (Without Getting Cabin Fever)

Summer is an excellent time to strengthen family relationships. Plan activities that everyone can enjoy, such as family game nights, movie marathons, or cooking together. These shared experiences can create lasting memories and deepen connections.

Therapeutic Tip: Schedule regular family meetings where everyone can share their feelings and ideas. Use this time to plan activities, discuss any concerns, and celebrate accomplishments. Open communication fosters a supportive and understanding family environment.

7. Prioritise Self-Care (Because You Deserve It)

Parents often put their needs last, but self-care is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health. Taking care of yourself enables you to be more patient, present, and supportive for your children.

Therapeutic Tip: Carve out time each day for self-care activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading, exercising, or enjoying a hobby. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family members, or friends to ensure you get the time you need.

8. Seek Professional Support if Needed (No Shame in It)

If you or your children are struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Therapists and counsellors can provide valuable tools and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or any other challenges that may arise.

Therapeutic Tip: Look for local resources such as family therapy, support groups, or parenting workshops. Many communities offer programmes specifically designed to support families during the summer months.

9. Home-Based Activities for Growth and Resilience

Focusing on indoor activities can be equally enriching and can provide opportunities for building resilience in children. These activities can nurture creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional strength.

Therapeutic Tip:

●     Board Games and Puzzles: These can help with cognitive skills and family bonding.

●     Cooking and Baking: Teach children basic cooking skills. This can boost their confidence and give them a sense of accomplishment.

●     DIY Projects: Simple projects like building a birdhouse or creating homemade slime can be both educational and fun.

●     Storytelling Sessions: Encourage your children to create and tell their own stories. This can enhance their imagination and communication skills.

●     Science Experiments: Simple experiments can spark curiosity and interest in science. Kits or online resources can guide you through safe and fun activities.

10. Building Emotional Resilience (Or How to Raise Little Superheroes)

Teaching children resilience helps them navigate challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Summer is an ideal time to focus on developing these skills.

Therapeutic Tip:

●     Problem-Solving Games: Engage your children in games that require strategic thinking and problem-solving.

●     Gratitude Journaling: Encourage your children to write or draw about things they are grateful for each day. This can foster a positive mindset.

●     Role-Playing Scenarios: Use role-playing to practice dealing with difficult emotions or situations. This can help children develop coping strategies.

●     Reading Together: Choose books that feature resilient characters and discuss the stories with your children. This can provide valuable life lessons and inspiration.

The summer holidays can be a wonderful time for growth, relaxation, and family bonding. By incorporating therapeutic strategies and home-based activities, parents can navigate this period with greater ease and create a nurturing environment for their children. Embrace the opportunity to slow down, connect, and make the most of the summer together. adopting these approaches, parents can turn the summer holidays into a period of joy, learning, and emotional well-being for the whole family. Enjoy the laughter, cherish the moments, and remember: you’ve got this!

Toni Anne Jones - counsellor and psychotherapist   www.Greengatestherapy.co.uk