For some children the end of school year is a time of excitement for summer fun, shifting schedules, and time off from their usual learning environment. For others, the end of school year can feel scary, sad, or anxiety producing. Children can feel worried about not seeing their teachers or friends on the predictable schedule they get with school. They may have fear of what the next school year will bring or miss the comfort of having a set schedule. If your child tends to get the end of school year blues, there are many ways you can support them through this time.
5 Ways You Can Support Your Child in Times of Change
- Normalize and affirm their experience. Let them know the emotions they are experiencing are a natural response to change. Highlight their strength in building connections with their teachers and friends which makes the feeling of parting for the summer feel sad. Encourage them to talk about the emotions they are experiencing and actively listen without needing to fix the situation.
- Offer activities to assist in emotional processing. Encourage activities like writing, drawing, role playing, or having conversations. This shows your child that emotions are meant to be experienced rather than fixed and invites acceptance no matter what comes up for them.
- Maintain summer routines. While your child’s routine will change with school ending, create a summer routine with times and activities they can expect to occur.
- Assist your child in continuing contact with school friends throughout the summer. Schedule playdates or activities that allow for your child to maintain their established friendships.
- Talk with your child about the upcoming school year and encourage them to voice fears and concerns without judgement. Let your child know that it is natural to worry about the future, and assist them with practical ways they may address their fears or assist them in learning to tolerate the discomfort of uncertainty.
Lastly, if you find your child could use more assistance in adjusting to the summer when the school year ends, the therapists at Gaithersburg Counseling Center in Gaithersburg, MD are ready and knowledgeable in helping children process emotions, build resiliency, and learn to cope with change. As Sara Giuliani, LCPC, states, “I think any young person who is brave enough to be curious about themselves and ask for help when needed is deserving of a warm and supportive environment to do so.” If therapy for your tween or teen feels like it would be a helpful step as they move through change, contact us to get set up with an appointment.
When working with clients, Amy (she/her) uses her warm personality along with her relational approach to engage her clients in the therapeutic process. She has always strived to have a supportive, collaborative relationship with her clients, allowing for deep personal growth and healing.