Parenting Tips for School Holidays: Supporting Children’s Mental Health This Summer

Supporting Children Through Summer: Navigating the Challenges Together

The school summer holidays are often imagined as a time for family fun, rest and play. But for many parents, the reality can be quite different. The long break from school often brings emotional ups and downs, disrupted routines and unexpected behavioural changes.

At Your Space Foundation, we specialise in supporting children, young people and their families. We understand that summer, although filled with promise, can be one of the most emotionally complex times of the year. That’s why we’ve put together practical parenting tips for school holidays, designed to help you navigate common challenges and support your child’s emotional wellbeing.

1. Parenting Tips for School Holidays: Managing Unstructured Time

Many children rely on the predictable structure of the school day. Without it, they may feel disoriented or restless. For neurodivergent children, or those who experience anxiety, this lack of structure can be particularly unsettling.

Children may appear irritable, have trouble sleeping or frequently complain of being bored. Parents often find themselves under pressure to plan daily activities while juggling work and household responsibilities.

Try This: Collaboratively create a flexible summer routine that includes consistent meal times, periods of rest, time outdoors and creative play. A visual schedule can provide reassurance, especially for younger children. One helpful activity is to make a “Summer Joy List” together. Include ten small, joyful activities your child can choose from when boredom sets in.

2. Emotional Ups and Downs: Supporting Children’s Mental Health

Children and young people often experience increased emotional intensity during school holidays. With fewer distractions, feelings that have been building up over the school year may rise to the surface.

Parents may notice more mood swings, meltdowns or clingy behaviour. It is important to remember that these reactions are often signs of emotional overload, not bad behaviour.

Try This: Support emotional awareness by modelling it yourself. For instance, saying, “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to step outside for some fresh air,” shows your child how to recognise and respond to emotions. You might also try an “emotion art” session, encouraging your child to use colours and shapes to express how they feel.

3. Screen Time Struggles: Encouraging Family Connection During School Holidays

When left unchecked, screen time can dominate a child’s summer holiday. While digital devices offer entertainment and social connection, they can also lead to isolation, increased irritability and reduced real-life interaction.

Children may resist coming off devices or become disengaged from family routines. This can be particularly difficult when technology is being used as a way to avoid difficult emotions.

Try This: Introduce daily device-free moments where the focus is on connection. Try a family game, walk or shared activity. Even 30 minutes of undistracted attention each day can have a powerful impact on your child’s sense of security and belonging.

4. Child Anxiety in Summer: How to Spot and Soothe Worrying Signs

As school pressures fade into the background, anxious thoughts often take centre stage. Without the busyness of the school week, children may begin to dwell on worries about friendships, their appearance or the return to school.

Some children may not verbalise their worries but show signs of anxiety through disrupted sleep, appetite changes or emotional withdrawal.

Try This: Look out for subtle signs of stress and use calm, supportive language such as, “You seem a bit tense today. Would you like to talk or do something relaxing together?” Taking a “mindful walk” using the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method can also help your child return to the present moment.

5.Low Self-Esteem and Social Media: Boosting Your Child’s Confidence This Summer

During summer, many children are exposed to images on social media showing holidays, outings and seemingly perfect lives. This can lead to harmful self-comparison and feelings of inadequacy, particularly for children who are already struggling with self-worth.

Parents may notice their child becoming withdrawn, self-critical or increasingly focused on what others have.

Try This: Affirm your child’s value regularly. Help them reflect on what makes them unique. A great way to do this is by creating a “strengths scrapbook” filled with drawings, compliments, photos and moments they feel proud of. This becomes a positive reminder of their resilience and personal strengths.

6. Back-to-School Anxiety: Preparing Children for a Smooth Transition

As summer nears its end, many children begin to worry about going back to school. These feelings may include fears about academic performance, friendships or new routines.

Children may not always express these concerns directly. Parents might notice increased clinginess, reluctance to talk about school or emotional outbursts.

Try This: Ease the transition by reintroducing regular routines such as bedtime and screen limits. Encourage your child to write a “Letter to Future Me” expressing their hopes, concerns and goals for the new school year. This can help externalise and normalise their feelings.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Supporting your child through the summer holidays can feel challenging, especially when emotions are heightened and routines are disrupted. However, with the right support and strategies, you can help your child feel safe, grounded and understood.

At Your Space Foundation, we offer compassionate, evidence-informed support for families. Whether you're concerned about anxiety, low self-esteem, or emotional regulation, our team is here to help. We hope these parenting tips for school holidays offer a helpful starting point for supporting your child through the season.