“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Maya Angelou
In Maine, there are only a handful of days before Summer Break. Educators are winding down lessons, schools are hosting field days, and students are graduating. The end of the school year might be a relief and signal the possibilities of summer. It might also be really hard.
Transitions can be hard. They disrupt routines, which provide predictability and a sense of security. They introduce uncertainty and the unknown and can create anxiety and stress. Kids might experience a loss of control, having to follow new instructions and rules. Emotional attachments to people, places, or routines might add to feelings of sadness and separation anxiety. Developmental responses like sensory overload can further intensify the difficulty of adapting. Recognizing these challenges allows us to provide appropriate support, structure, and strategies to help kids navigate transitions successfully.
Here are five strategies with examples that caregivers can use to help support transitions from school to summer break:
Communication and Preparation
Talk to children about the upcoming transition, explain what changes will occur during summer break. Discuss the break’s duration, activities planned, and any new routines.
For example, you can say, “We have two more weeks of school left, and then we’ll have a break. During the break, we’ll have some fun activities planned, and we’ll adjust our schedule a bit.”
Establish a Summer Routine:
Create a daily or weekly schedule for the summer break to provide some structure and predictability. If students are home all day include a mix of activities, such as outings, chores, reading time, and free play.
For instance, you can have a set wake-up time, followed by breakfast and then allocate specific times for different types of activities throughout the day. Younger students may prefer visual reminders, such as a written schedule on the fridge.
Gradual Transition:
Ease the shift from school to summer break gradually by adjusting bedtime and wake-up times a little earlier each day or week leading up to the break, if needed. If children are going to be spending time in new situations or with new people, arrange a time to see the space or meet the person.
For example, you can start moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night a week before the break begins. If they’ll be spending time at a day camp or daycare talk to them about how it will be similar and different from school (but that differences aren’t always a bad thing) and drive by the space. If they’ll be spending time with a new babysitter invite the sitter over for dinner to get to know them better.
Engage in Transition Activities:
Engage children in activities that help them reflect on the school year and transition to the break positively. Encourage them to share their favorite memories, what they’re looking forward to next year, or create a summer bucket list.
You can have a conversation about their favorite moments from the school year or create a collage of photos and mementos to commemorate the year. For more resources on reflection activities check out this post.
Emphasize Relaxation and Self-Care:
Encourage relaxation and self-care activities during the break to help children recharge and reduce stress or fatigue from the school year. Incorporate mindfulness exercises, quiet reading time, or outdoor relaxation time.
You could have a designated quiet reading corner where your child can unwind with their favorite books, establish a daily outdoor relaxation period to enjoy nature and practice deep breathing, or go on a weekly walk as a family
A few other resources about transitions:
5 Ways to Help Your Family Transition to Summer
Preparing for Breaks and Transitions With Care and Connection
Strategies for a Successful Summer Break
Try these strategies to help kids navigate the transition from school to summer break more smoothly, providing structure, clear communication, and opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. You might even find the transition easier yourself!