Summer's Here – Now What? Supporting Mental Health After the School Year Ends
- CA Counseling Consultants
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
I've been having these conversations a lot lately in my office. Parents come in looking a bit frazzled, saying things like "I thought summer would be easier, but somehow it feels harder." And honestly? That makes complete sense to me.
The Reality of Summer Transitions
Here's what I often tell families: transitions are inherently difficult, even when they're positive ones. Think about it - your child has spent nine months in a predictable routine. They know exactly what to expect each day, they have built-in social connections, and for many kids, school provides crucial emotional support. Then suddenly, all of that structure vanishes overnight.
I see this especially with kids who have been receiving support at school. Maybe they had regular check-ins with a favorite teacher who really "got" them, or they were seeing the school counselor weekly. When summer hits, that safety net disappears, and some kids feel like they're free-falling.
What I Recommend to Families
When parents ask me what they can do, I always start with structure, but not the kind you might think. I'm not talking about scheduling every minute of the day. Instead, I encourage families to create what I call "gentle rhythms." Maybe it's pancakes every Sunday morning, or knowing that Tuesday afternoons are for the library. These predictable moments help everyone feel grounded.
Social connections are huge too. I've seen kids struggle significantly when they suddenly go from seeing friends daily to maybe once a week. Whether it's summer camp, regular playdates, or even scheduled video calls with extended family, maintaining those connections is crucial for emotional wellbeing.
And please, if your child has been working with a therapist during the school year, don't automatically stop sessions just because it's summer. Consistency in mental health support is especially important during transitions.
When Freedom Becomes Overwhelming
Something interesting I've noticed is that some kids thrive with summer's lack of structure, while others really struggle. The ones who struggle often have underlying anxiety or depression that was being managed by school's routine. When that routine disappears, symptoms can worsen.
I tell parents to watch for changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or interest in activities they usually enjoy. If something feels off, it might be time to add some gentle structure back in. This could be as simple as setting a summer goal like learning guitar, reading a certain number of books, or working on a family project. Having something to work toward gives meaning to all that free time.
Supporting Our Educators
I also want to address something close to my heart - supporting teachers during summer. Educators give so much of themselves during the school year, and while summer break seems like it should be rejuvenating, many teachers carry emotional exhaustion into their time off.
If you're an educator reading this, please give yourself permission to truly rest. You don't need to spend your summer "catching up" on everything you didn't have time for during the school year. It's okay to admit you're not just physically tired, but emotionally drained too. Teaching is heart work, and heart work requires recovery time.
Moving Through Transition Together
What I want everyone to understand is that transitions are inherently messy. They're exciting and terrifying and beautiful and overwhelming all at once. Whether you're a parent watching your child navigate summer freedom, a teen preparing for college, or an educator trying to recharge, it's completely normal for this time to feel unsettled.
In my practice, I see families put so much pressure on themselves to have perfect summers or seamless transitions. But healing and growth happen in the messiness, not in perfection. Be patient with yourself and your loved ones as everyone finds their footing.
And remember - you don't have to figure this out alone. If things feel too overwhelming, or if you notice concerning changes in yourself or your child, reaching out for professional support is a sign of strength, not weakness. We're here to walk through these transitions with you, helping you find your way to steadier ground.
