Helping Children Transition into Summer: Strategies for Emotional Balance

When the structure provided by school disappears overnight, the child's nervous system can lose its bearings.

School breaks are often eagerly awaited, by both children and parents. But paradoxically, the first few days can be particularly challenging. Many parents notice that their children suddenly become more agitated, irritable, or uncontrollable… as if they no longer know how to “function.” Some show signs of regression (such as baby talk or demanding more attention), while others experience sleep or appetite disturbances. These behaviors often reflect a loss of structure and a heightened need for inner security. 

To help a child regulate themselves, the greatest gift we can give them is to recreate a form of containment.

Here are three tips to help parents create supportive and enjoyable structure for the Summer:

1. Establish a light but regular routine

Even without school, a child's brain needs predictability.

Actionable tip: Create a "core routine": wake-up time, set mealtimes, and regular quiet time (reading, drawing, screen-free time).

This can be written on a chart or a visual planner that the child can decorate themselves.

2. Plan one structured activity per day

No need to fill the day! A single structured moment during the day is often enough to anchor the rest.

Actionable tip: cooking together, going to the library, doing an art activity, or going on an outing. One structure activity a day can give the child a sense of direction and inner security.

3. Create a regular emotional anchoring ritual with your family      

School breaks are also times when emotions can resurface – that’s normal.

Actionable tip: Create a small daily ritual, such as an "emotional break" after dinner: everyone can share how they feel, what they liked or disliked about the day.

This supports emotional regulation while strengthening the parent-child bond.

4. Build moments of exclusive connection

A little one-on-one time each day (even 10 minutes) to play, laugh, or talk without distractions strengthens the attachment bond and soothes your child.

Actionable tip: find a book to read with your child this summer, a craft, or a new walk path to enjoy with your child.

5. Limit screen time, especially at the beginning and end of the day

Screens disrupt the nervous system and increase irritability. It's best to limit them to specific, scheduled times and avoid them in the morning and before bedtime.