Summer break brings unique opportunities for parents to enjoy well-earned downtime with their children. But it also requires parents to navigate the delicate balance of encouraging fun and relaxation while managing screen time and providing enrichment. As a behavioral analyst and a regional manager of behavioral services for Sheppard Pratt Schools, I know the tricky balance of nurturing development while keeping students engaged (and off their phones)! Here are a few tips to help you have a peaceful and productive summer with your little ones.
Maintain predictability
Kids do better with structure. And that can be even more true if your child lives with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Keeping to your child’s usual bedtimes and mealtimes in the summer can provide much-needed stability. A visual aid can be useful, too. Posting the day’s schedule helps kids prepare to move from one activity to another. The day’s schedule might include wake-up times, chores, camps, trips, screen time allowances, and leisure time.
Remember, filling leisure time is a skill. You can help them develop that skill by providing a rich environment, such as a playroom with a puzzle, a piano, a set of paints, or a bookshelf. Expose them to many options and encourage them to choose what to engage with.
Follow their lead
The crux of leisure skills is independent play. But when your child is learning this skill, you can have an important role. Rather than directing play, engage with them and follow their lead. Go for a walk together and collect items to use in an art project. Sensory exploration can spark new thoughts and experiences, too. To stimulate the senses, try playing with water, sand, or fidget toys.
Offer tools and motivational devices to enjoy screen-free time
An iPad can be a great resource in limited doses. Access to uninterrupted screen time during the summer can make for a difficult transition back to school in the fall. It can also take away from time to work on leisure skills, get outside, or enjoy friends and family. Set scheduled screen time just like you would on a school night. Predictability can ease the transition to less preferred activities.
And a dose of boredom isn’t always a bad thing. It can help kids develop problem-solving skills and creativity, along with building tolerance for the not-so-fun experiences in life. Help them see these moments as opportunities rather than deficits, and when they do, reward them with praise or earning points towards a fun activity.