HOUSTON – School is out, and summer break is officially underway, but while many children and teens look forward to the extra freedom, experts say the loss of routine can sometimes create challenges for their mental health.
Dr. Julia Kovalenko, a pediatric psychologist with Texas Children’s Hospital, says summer can be a positive time for children to rest and recharge, but parents should also be mindful of maintaining healthy habits and structure.
Why structure still matters during summer
One of the biggest adjustments children face when school ends is the sudden loss of a daily routine.
Experts recommend that families establish a flexible summer schedule that includes regular wake-up times, meals, physical activity, social interaction and bedtime routines.
Maintaining some level of structure can help children feel secure and reduce stress, anxiety and behavioral issues that can arise when days become unpredictable.
Mental health concerns can increase during summer
While summer is often associated with fun and relaxation, some children and teens may struggle with loneliness, boredom or social isolation.
Without the daily interactions that come with school, some young people may feel disconnected from friends and classmates. Others may experience increased anxiety about social situations, family stressors or the upcoming school year.
Mental health professionals say parents should pay attention to significant changes in mood, behavior or routines.
Managing screen time
With more free time comes more opportunities to spend hours on phones, tablets and video games.
Experts recommend creating healthy boundaries around screen use while encouraging activities that promote physical movement, creativity and face-to-face interaction.
Parents can help by setting device-free times during the day, encouraging outdoor activities and modeling healthy technology habits themselves.
Signs your child may be struggling
Parents should watch for warning signs that may indicate a child or teen is experiencing mental health concerns, including:
Persistent sadness or irritability
Withdrawal from friends and family
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Increased anxiety or excessive worry
Declining self-esteem
Excessive screen use or social media dependence
Experts say early conversations can make a significant difference when children are struggling emotionally.
Helping teens avoid doomscrolling and social media comparisons
Mental health professionals say social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy when teens compare themselves to carefully curated images and posts.
Parents can help by encouraging open conversations about social media, discussing how online content often presents unrealistic versions of people’s lives and promoting activities that build confidence outside of the digital world.
Setting limits on screen time and encouraging breaks from social media can also help reduce unhealthy comparisons.
Addressing boredom and loneliness
Experts say boredom isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, unstructured time can encourage creativity, problem-solving and independence.
However, prolonged loneliness can negatively affect mental health.
Parents can help by encouraging children to participate in summer camps, sports, volunteer opportunities, hobbies, family activities and social events that allow them to stay connected with peers.
Key takeaways for parents
As families settle into summer routines, experts say the most important things parents can do are maintain structure, encourage healthy sleep habits, monitor screen time and stay engaged in their children’s emotional well-being.
By creating opportunities for connection, physical activity and meaningful experiences, parents can help ensure their children enjoy a healthy and productive summer break.
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