Watermelon . . . sunflowers . . . the smell of chlorine . . . long days.

Ah, summer, sweet summer.

At this time of year there is so much to look forward to for families, teachers and those of us who love warm weather.

And yet, for some, summer brings great uncertainty.

The Challenge of Uncertainty

Schedules change. Children have a drastic change in schedule, parents may need to find childcare, some activities are canceled while other ones are added, many people vacation and everything is just different.

For many of us, such change is slightly unsettling and within a few weeks, we are settled. However, for vulnerable children and families or “kids from hard places,” such change is overwhelming.

Children who suffer anxiety may have a fear of the unknown. Those who thrive on routine and need to know what to expect, can be thrown for a loop until the new routine is established. Kids with ADHD receive what they perceive to be rewards from certain activities. Therefore, if some of those rewards are taken away at the end of the school year, they can be restless and uncomfortable.

Foster children may struggle as summertime in the new home may feel very different than summer in their biological home. For example, the bio family may visit relatives in the summer and the child will miss seeing extended family. The foster family may enjoy time at the community pool and the kids might not be able to swim or may encounter kids from their previous life at the pool.

The question, then, is how to help families and children navigate the changes that summer brings.

The Blessing of Planning

It is vital to think through possible difficulties in the months leading up to summer. After parents have considered the topic, they should discuss the upcoming activities for the summer and help kids set expectations. As much as possible, allow the children to feel ownership in what is coming.

Parents may create a daily schedule for children to provide structure. It could be as simple as letting kids know when the “kitchen is open” for meals. When they can stay on a consistent meal schedule – happy tummies make for happy kids. Parents may want to set a consistent schedule. Set hours for screens. Set aside time for outdoor play. Even making time for a chore or a possible review of schoolwork for the youngest children can be settling. Providing structure to the days is beneficial to parents and children alike.

Research activities at church and in the community to add variety to your summer days. Create a calendar so that everyone can know what is coming up and look forward to it. Certain days can be designated each week with an activity or meal; think Taco Tuesday, Wet Wednesday (the pool or water games in the backyard) and weekly trips to the library.

Summer brings many blessings. With recognition of potential struggles and planning, children can thrive during the summer.