Transitions can be tough for everyone! Whether it’s adjusting from the structured routine of school to the more relaxed pace of summer, these changes can throw us all for a loop. As a Counselor, I often highlight the stress our body endures as we continuously adapt to life’s ebbs and flows. Now, we can think ahead and harness effective stress management techniques to pave the way for a summer filled with success!
- Create a Visual Family Calendar
- This may feel like one more task on the “to-do” list; however, it will be worth it in the long run. A family calendar that is visually posted and accessible to everyone is vital to keeping everyone on the same page. A family calendar can help children increase predictability and autonomy in their schedule by helping set expectations early. A calendar can be used as a tool to open the conversation for planning long-term and short-term spontaneity. It visually helps everyone stay on track while helping teach kids we can’t plan for everything, and that’s okay and super fun, too! This conversation can aid in changing the dialogue around unpredictable and spur-of-the-moment changes in events. This will help promote flexibility and adaptability in kids from a young age while knowing there are long-term “must dos” we can still plan for.
- Utilize Timers to Ease Transition Periods
- Timers are any caregiver’s best friend and accountability partner. Not only do they mimic the structure often used in the classroom, but they can also increase emotional readiness and regulation to mentally prepare for the shift in activity. By practicing simple skills such as thinking ahead, organization, and time management, we can help improve our kids’ executive functioning skills. When practiced from a young age, these skills will aid in critical thinking and problem-solving at home and school.
- Model Mindfulness
- Caregivers are kid’s biggest teachers since day one. This means whether you are aware of it or not, kids are mimicking your verbal and nonverbal behavior, thanks to our mirror neurons. Although this can be a scary thought, we can use it to our advantage by intentionally practicing healthy habits. For instance, saying aloud, “Wow, I’ve spent enough time on my screen. I am going to walk the dog,” or “ Whew, I am overwhelmed. I think I need to listen to some music.” Verbalizing this type of self-talk can also model to kids what this could sound like when they listen to their bodies. As a Counselor, I help my clients practice this dialogue to increase self-awareness and emotional regulation to accompany positive life skills like stress management.
- Parent Treasure Chest
- Chaos strikes when they are least mentally and physically prepared. Meaning as caregivers, we have to plan for the unpredictable or try to. Create a “nothing is working, it’s been raining for three days straight, and I am exhausted” save-the-day treasure chest. Here, you can stash away fun attention grabbers you know your kids will love to buy you a few minutes to recharge and reset. For instance, this could be a mini Lego set, squish mellow, a new coloring book, etc. Something you know will redirect your kiddos and be tailored to their specific interests. This can be simple, easy, and relatively low-cost to promote creativity and imagination. Simple rewards encourage children to find joy in small moments and experiences.
- Celebrate Success Big and Small
- Why only celebrate by our cultural standards? We can celebrate whenever we want! From using a shared calendar to celebrate big and small wins for the entire family to an impromptu pizza night, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Celebrating together enhances a child’s perspective of others in the house while building empathy for loved ones. Practicing and normalizing being happy for others, even if we don’t get what we want, can be hard to do, yet a lifelong skill. Celebrating doesn’t have to be saved for a “special occasion”, we can bring playful and optimistic energy to any day. Whether it’s a popsicle to celebrate the first rainstorm of summer to the ending of a busy camp week, it’s meant to be easy and simple. This practice introduces being intentional and practicing gratitude in a fun, engaging way.
By embracing these simple yet impactful practices, families can navigate life’s unpredictability with resilience, connection, and a sense of shared accomplishment. Transitions can be tricky, yet summer is a time to welcome challenges with flexibility and grace. To make an appointment with Kennedy go to https://getcenteredcounselingstl.com/staff/kennedy-baker-ba-plpc/