During the school year we as parents have so many commitments to get our kids to school, after school activities, set dinner times, homework, our own work and household chores.
During summer we purposefully slow down, make less commitments, push aside chores for family time and say “No” more often to bigger commitments. Since many people take vacations, work tends to be less hectic (unless you repair A/C or pools!)
This allows us to slow down and enjoy time with our kids, family, neighbors, etc. with this slow down. Children’s anxiety, negative behaviors and school /social stress is often better managed. This is when therapy is a great goal!
Kids and parents can now focus on what changes they want to make and learning new coping skills for the upcoming school year.
Getting to session on time and not feeling rushed is also a bonus. Here in Florida, they often show up right out of the pool!
In the summer months, we can work on helping children with ADHD organize for the school year, practice social skills, and manage big emotions.
For children with generalized anxiety disorder, summer is often filled with new experiences like camps, vacations and having no routine. This can throw them off balance and cause added anxiety. However, the school anxiety is now diminished as well as some social anxiety if they aren’t in a camp or spending time away from their parents.
