When you think of summer, I imagine a ton of fun things go through your mind. Swimming at a pool, surfing at the beach, summer vacation, hanging out with friends, and so many more fun activities.
But for a lot of our kids, it means isolation and loneliness because they aren’t at school seeing their friends on a regular basis. Or maybe having to squeeze in an educational class or even traveling with a sports team they are on and not getting to see their regular group of friends. Summertime Blues is a real thing for a lot of our kids.
As we jump into summer, remember that a lot of our kids struggle with their mental health during these months. They can be struggling with loneliness and feeling a part of something. One recent study found that loneliness has the same effect on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. How crazy is that?
So, what can we do to help combat this and encourage community for our kids during the summer months? Here are some tips.
1) Create a calendar for your kid with things they will be doing that week.
Don’t OVER DO the calendar and make them too busy, but help them find time a couple times a week to connect with friends.
2) Ask your kids what they would like to be doing.
Sometimes as parents, we put our kids in classes they don’t want to do, and this can cause our kids more stress than good mental health during the summer. Sitting around and playing video games all day isn’t an option, but find a balance between slowing down and also spending time with friends and family.
3) Check out what your local church is doing for families, kids, and students during the summer at your local campus.
There are a lot of great activities that are going on that allow your kids to connect with their friends at church and have fun at the same time.
4) If your kids are old enough, allow them to have sleepovers with their friends.
Make it something special, like camping in the backyard (if they are younger) or a theme if they are older (A Night at the Spa with pedicures and facials or Video Game Extravaganza with snacks galore).
5) Be willing to drive your kids places if they ask.
Some of the best memories I have with my son were in the car talking together. It may be a hassle to drive them to the mall, a friend’s house or to the beach, but getting that quality time before or after in the car is time you’ll never regret.
6) Carve out time each week for you to spend time with your kids as well.
They love being with their friends, but secretly, they enjoy time with you just as much, even if they don’t say so. Take them to the pool in the afternoon or evening, have an ice cream Thursday night date every week, have a game night as a family, etc. Create memories with your kids that they will remember forever.
I can still remember all the fun I had with my son during the summer, even though I worked a full-time job. I tried to say yes more, even when I was tired, and worked hard on making sure his mental health and desire for community were a priority during these summer months. Creating community for your kids will help with those Summertime Blues and allow them to have a summer that they will never forget.
