Supporting Family Mental Health during Summer Break

The transition from school to summer break can be stressful for the entire family. Kids and teens are losing the structure and social connections that school provides, and parents are under pressure to keep their children busy, socially connected, and mentally healthy while balancing work schedules and the rising costs of childcare and summer activities. 

While it’s normal for kids and students to experience mood and behavior changes as they soak up all the summer fun, it is still important to pay attention to signs that might indicate a family member is struggling with their mental health. Some of the warning signs include major changes in sleep (sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping), changes in appetite or eating habits, loss of motivation or energy, changes in hygiene or self-care habits, and negative talk or self-expression. Being aware of these signs and creating a supportive environment at home can help families better manage the challenges that sometimes come with summer break. 

If you or your family needs additional mental health support, Foundations Counseling Center is committed to offering effective, evidence-based treatment in your community, offering parent groups, therapy groups for kids and teens, and therapeutic interventions such as neurofeedback. Foundations Counseling Center is always creating effective ways to meet you where you’re at, with in-person and virtual individual, family, and group sessions. Contact us today to get scheduled! 

As you and your family enjoy the summer break, here are a few practical, affordable ways you can support your family’s mental health.

1. Keep a flexible routine. The beauty of summer is that it can be very relaxing for many kids and teens.  Structure is still important, however. A summer schedule doesn’t need to be strict, but maintaining familiarity can help children and adolescents feel more stable and help reduce stress. Examples of a routine include maintaining regular, reasonable wake-up times, consistent family mealtimes, and flexible but sustainable bedtimes.
   • For parenting support, First 5 Nevada offers services and resources to families across Nevada seeking support this summer break.  Partners in Parenting offers classes and support programs in the Austin area to help first-time parents with routines, behaviors, and connection. 
     
2. Enjoy the outdoors. The summer is known for its heat, but it doesn’t stop the outdoor fun! Walks, bike rides, trips to local parks, or even backyard play can reduce stress, improve mood, and support the whole family’s physical health. No matter where you find yourself, walking trails, playgrounds, and open spaces in your community are an effective and affordable way to support both your physical and mental health. Your brain and your body inform each other. So, when you can, don’t skip out on all that nature has to offer. 
   • Check out the best 10 parks near Pflugerville, Texas, and the Las Vegas, Nevada area! 
     
3. Make new friends. Summer can feel isolating, but maintaining social relationships is a very helpful way to maintain mental well-being.  Maintaining and making new friends through playdates, library programs, and community events is a great way to stay connected with others in your community. 
   • Southern Nevada has an extensive list of libraries to help you find the one closest to you. The City of Las Vegas offers all-day summer camps for families all across the valley. Check out these camps offered by community partners to learn more: YMCA of Southern Nevada, UNLV Jr. Summer camps, Southern Nevada Writing Project, Engineering for Kids, and Nevada 4-H Camp Alamo
   • The Pflugerville, Texas, community has so much to offer families and kids this summer! Public libraries offer a variety of events and classes and the city offers summer camp for all ages to meet new friends and stay connected! So many community partners offer summer experiences to keep the family busy: Camp Doublecreek, CHASCO Family YMCA, STEM Junction, KidStrong Pfligerville, and Fantastic Magic Camp.
     
4. Don’t overbook yourself. It can be tempting to fill every week with camps and activities, but downtime is important too! Unstructured time allows your family to rest, recharge, and even spark creativity. Take advantage of the flexibility that summer has to offer and find the unhurried pockets of time where you can be present with each other!
   
5. Prioritize Connection over Screentime. Screen time can be draining for kids and teens during the summertime, but it can also distract parents and families from being present with each other. Crack open the board game, pull out those card games, or even watch a movie or TV show together. What’s important is that you don’t use technology to isolate, but as a tool to connect with each other. Out of ideas? Here’s a list of 77 things to do instead of screens by Sparkle Schoolhouse. 
   
6. Check in and Stay Present. One of the simplest but most important ways to support mental health is to stay connected with each other. Taking a few minutes each day to talk, listen, and really be present with your family can go a long way. These small, consistent check-ins help children and teens feel heard, supported, and more comfortable opening up when something doesn’t feel right. 
   • Interested in how to stay present with your family? Check out this article and learn about the power of mindfulness techniques to stay present!

As families move through the summer months, it’s important to remember that mental health is often supported in the everyday moment—shared meals, conversations in the car, time spent together at home, and slowing down to notice each other. Staying connected and present with one another is one of the best ways to help prevent mental health concerns and support a healthy, balanced summer for the whole family.