Whether it’s summer break or some other vacation and your kids are facing an ocean of sunshine, beaches, rainbows, BBQ’s, and sleeping in; or have a few weeks off in the winter to laze around, play games, and hang out with friends, their shackles have been cast off and they are free to do as they please! Sounds great, right? For many people it does. However, for some families, it can be chaos–especially if the child(ren) of the family have problems when there is less structure in their day.
The school environment is predictable: every day is scheduled right down to the minute. Children know what day activities occur on, where they need to be and who will be there with them. Summer time is much less structured: days free flow and there is less time limits for activities. Children have a lot of choices and freedom. This can be scary for children who thrive within structure. These children may require structure as it reduces the anxiety of having to choose what happens, when and with whom. Children with specific diagnosis also require structure: those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, in particular.
How to help your child create structure during the summer
- Have a schedule on the fridge with activities
- Allow your child to help choose what activities happen on what day
- Provide your child with calendar of their own to put activities in
- Make visual lists of what your child needs for camp activities
- Each night, rehearse with your child what is planned for the next day (ie. camp activities, play-dates and family outings).
- Have a schedule on the fridge with activities
- Allow your child to help choose what activities happen on what day
- Provide your child with calendar of their own to put activities in
- Make visual lists of what your child needs for camp activities
- Each night, rehearse with your child what is planned for the next day (ie. camp activities, play-dates and family outings).
Summer should be fun for the entire family! If you feel like your child requires structure and you need support in trying the suggestions here, please consider seeking professional help for it.