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Making Waves: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer

Photo of two kids playing in the sand on the beach. The words "Making Waves: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer " are on the photo
Making Waves: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer
Neeley Keys

Summer is finally here! For most kids, that means sun, snacks, and a total break from books. But while the "out of office" feeling is great for a week or two, the sudden loss of school structure can sometimes leave kids feeling a little lost. 

Transitioning from a bell-scheduled day to a wide-open calendar can lead to boredom, restlessness, and even a bit of anxiety. The good news? You don’t need to be a full-time cruise director to keep your child’s mental health on track. Here’s how to create a summer that balances fun with emotional wellness. 

The Magic of "Loose" Structure 

We aren't suggesting you run your home like a drill sergeant, but the brain loves predictability. Without a routine, days can bleed together, which often leads to irritability. Try to keep wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes relatively consistent. Instead of a rigid schedule, think of a "flow." For example: *Morning active time, lunch, afternoon downtime/reading, and evening family time. 

Even simple routines like a morning walk, an afternoon quiet hour, or a regular family dinner can provide comforting touchpoints throughout the day. When kids know what to expect, even loosely, it can help them feel more secure and less overwhelmed by the open-ended nature of summer days. These predictable rhythms support emotional regulation and help children transition more easily between activities. 

Prioritize Real Connection School  

Provide a built-in social life. In the summer, kids can feel isolated. Use this extra time to strengthen your bond through simple, intentional check-ins. Some Conversation Starters: Instead of "How was your day?" tTry "What’s one thing that made you laugh today?" or "If we could go on a mini-adventure tomorrow, what would it be?" 

You might also consider building small connection rituals into your week, like a Friday movie night, a weekend park visit, or a quick evening check-in before bed. These moments don’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Consistent, positive interactions help children feel seen and heard, which plays a powerful role in supporting emotional well-being. 

Get Moving and Get Out 

Nature is a natural stress-reliever. Whether it’s a walk through the local park, a bike ride, or just running through the sprinkler, physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. 

Even small doses of outdoor time can have a big impact on mental health. Research shows that spending time outside can improve mood, increase focus, and reduce feelings of anxiety in children and teens. Consider exploring nearby trails, visiting local playgrounds, or simply encouraging free play outside. 

Screen Time: Quality Over Quantity 

It’s the age-old summer struggle. While some extra gaming or shows are fine, try to set healthy boundaries. Balance "screen time" with "green time" (outdoors) or "creative time" (art, building, or cooking). 

You can also invite your child to help create screen-time guidelines for the summer. When kids have a voice setting expectations, they’re often more willing to follow them. Encourage activities that spark curiosity and creativity, like building something new, trying a simple recipe, drawing, or exploring a new hobby. These experiences help build confidence and keep minds engaged during the break. 

Signs to Watch For 

Every child has an "off" day but keep an eye out for persistent changes. If you notice your child is unusually withdrawn, has major changes in sleep or appetite, or seems consistently overwhelmed by the change in routine, don't hesitate to reach out to your local mental health provider. Healthcare providers are still resources for you, even during the break! 

Central Ohio Adolescent Resources 

If you feel your child needs more specialized support this summer, we are fortunate to have world-class resources right in our backyard: 

  • Youth Crisis Line (Franklin County): (614) 722-1800 

  • Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness: Located in Worthington, they specialize in intensive programs specifically designed to help teens navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. 

  • Marble Health: A specialized telehealth platform for Ohio students and families. They provide virtual individual and group therapy with no waitlists, accepting most insurances (including Medicaid) to ensure care is accessible within days. 

  • Huckleberry House: A vital resource for teens in crisis, offering a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter for those experiencing housing instability or family conflict. 

Parent Corner: YOU Matter Too! 

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Juggling work, childcare, and "summer fun" is a heavy lift. To be the best support for your kids, make sure you: 

  1. Take a Break: Even 10 minutes of quiet coffee or a walk alone counts. 

  1. Lower the Bar: Every day doesn't have to be a Pinterest-perfect memory. 

  1. Ask for Help: Lean on friends, family, or neighborhood swap-groups for childcare. 

Parents and caregivers often put their own needs last during the busy summer months, but caring for your own well-being directly impacts your child’s emotional health. Modeling healthy coping strategies, like taking breaks, setting boundaries, and asking for support, shows children that it’s okay to prioritize mental health. 

The Bottom Line 

Summer doesn’t have to be perfectly packed to be meaningful. By focusing on small daily habits and genuine connections, you’re helping your child (and yourself!) head back to school in the fall feeling refreshed and resilient. Feel free to reach out to your child’s guidance counselor or school social worker before year end to get resources on local camps and activities for your children. 

Neeley Keys serves as a Mental Health Consultant on the SOS Team at the ESC of Central Ohio. Neeley has 25 years in the Mental Health arena and has spent nearly 20 years managing school-based mental health programming. At the ESC, she oversees 17 Attendance Success Mentors, assists Community Schools with Attendance, consults with EPSEA Liaisons on high-risk cases, provides Social Work Clinical Supervision, and oversees the Prime for Life programming. Neeley’s expertise is in best practices for working with kids of trauma, relationship-building skills, Restorative Practices, and Self-Care. She has a passion for removing barriers, so all kids have a chance to be successful. Neeley earned her BS in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and her MS in Social Work from Indiana University.