As the school year winds down, many families look forward to a break from early mornings, packed lunches, and busy schedules. But when it comes to child mental health in summer, the transition away from structure and routine can sometimes bring unexpected emotional challenges.
For children, especially those who experience anxiety, mood shifts, or difficulty with change, summer break may not feel like a relief-it may feel uncertain or overwhelming. While every child is different, it’s common for some children to feel unsettled as predictability and connection of the school day come to an end. Understanding what might come up during this time—and how to respond with care—can help your child feel more secure and emotionally steady heading into summer.
Why the End of the School Year Can Be Emotionally Charged
For children, school isn’t just about academics. It’s also a place where they experience connection, routine, purpose, and even predictability. As the year ends, your child might be:
- Worrying about saying goodbye to a favorite teacher
- Feeling unsure about summer plans
- Missing the routine that school provides
- Struggling with social transitions or friendships that feel unfinished
Even if your child isn’t voicing these concerns, you may notice mood changes, irritability, stronger emotional reactions, or a greater need for reassurance and connection than usual.
What Summer Break Can Bring Up Emotionally
For some children, summer brings freedom and fun. But for others, it can create:
- Feelings of boredom that turn into restlessness or emotional dysregulation
- Loneliness from missing peers and school social activities
- Increased screen time, which may affect mood and sleep
- Anxiety about unfamiliar camps, babysitters, or being home alone
Some children who thrive on structure may feel unsettled when there are fewer clear expectations, while others may struggle with the shift away from academic demands they were just beginning to manage.
If your child has been feeling the weight of school expectations lately, you may also find our blog on managing school-related stress helpful. It covers how to recognize signs of academic pressure and support your child during the school year.
Tips to Support Your Child’s Mental Health Over Summer
You don’t need to create a perfect summer plan. Small, intentional steps can go a long way in supporting your child emotionally during this time.
- Keep a Gentle Structure
While summer doesn’t need to be as rigid as the school year, maintaining some rhythm can help.
- Try consistent wake-up and bedtime routines
- Plan meals, outings, or activities in advance when possible
- Use visual calendars or lists to help children know what to expect
- Make Space for Emotions
Give your child permission to talk about how they’re feeling, even if it’s not what you expected.
- Normalize feelings of sadness, worry, or even frustration
- Avoid rushing to fix or distract from big feelings—just listening can be powerful
- Use open-ended questions like “What part of summer are you most unsure about?”
- Find Meaningful Ways to Connect
Summer can be a great time to build emotional connection through simple moments.
- Go for walks together, even just around the block
- Create a small daily ritual like reading or journaling side by side
- Offer one-on-one time—even 10 minutes a day can help a child feel seen and valued
- Balance Downtime with Activity
Children often need a mix of rest and stimulation to feel their best.
- Alternate between active and calm parts of the day
- Encourage screen-free creative play or outdoor time
- If your child will attend camps or childcare, help prepare them ahead of time for what to expect
- Watch for Signs of Struggle
Not every child will say they’re having a hard time. Signs that your child may need more support include:
- Ongoing sleep disruptions or appetite changes
- Withdrawing from activities they usually enjoy
- Heightened worry, increased need to stay close to caregivers, or difficulty separating
- Complaints of frequent headaches or stomachaches without a medical cause
If you’re seeing these signs, it may be time to check in—with your child, and with someone who can help. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself.
When to Seek Support from a Mental Health Professional
If your child is having a hard time with emotions, anxiety, stress, or day-to-day challenges this summer, mental health support for children can help them (and you) navigate it with more ease. Therapy can provide:
- A space for your child to express and process emotions
- Coping strategies for transitions, anxiety, or self-regulation
- Guidance for parents navigating difficult moments
At Mindful Mental and Behavioral Health PLLC, we know that child mental health in summer can look different for every family. Whether your child is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, having support in place can make these transitional months feel more manageable.
Our therapists specialize in working with children and teens. We offer compassionate, developmentally informed support for families navigating transitions like summer break, school changes, or emotional and behavioral challenges.
Whether you’re seeking short-term support or ongoing care for your child, we’re here to help you move forward together.
Looking for Child Mental Health Support this Summer?
Our team at Mindful Mental and Behavioral Health PLLC offers online therapy for children, teens, and families across Oregon. We’re here to support emotional growth, strengthen coping skills, and help your child navigate life with more ease—even during times of change.
Let’s make this summer feel steadier–for you and your child. Schedule an intake assessment below to get started with one of our child and teen therapists. If you have any questions before scheduling, feel free to call our office at (207) 316-2609.
