Planning Out the Summer for Your Child

Introduction

As summer approaches, many parents experience both excitement and a little overwhelm (Knopf, 2015). Without the structure of school, it’s easier for the days to blur together and for children and caregivers to experience boredom and uncertainty due to not having a concrete day-to-day plan. However, with some planning, summer can be a time of growth, fun, and connection. This blog will highlight several strategies for planning a summer that works for you and your child.

Why Summer Planning Matters

Children, especially those with neurodiverse needs (i.e., ADHD and ASD), often thrive on structure and routine because they feel and perform their best when they know what to expect (Boylan, 2019). However, the days can start to feel unpredictable without the structure of school, which can lead to anxiety, boredom, or behavioral challenges (Knopf, 2015). Therefore, having even a loose daily plan can provide a sense of security and rhythm for children. Summer planning can reduce the likelihood of children experiencing a “screen-time spiral,” which is a phenomenon where children may default to screen time all day, which can increase irritability, negatively impact sleep, and reduce time spent on physical or social activities. In addition, summer planning can provide many opportunities to support your child’s emotional and developmental growth, such as building independence, practicing social skills, or learning new responsibilities (Boylan, 2019). Summer planning can also reduce stress for caregivers. When the whole family knows the general flow of the day, it can cut down on power struggles, last-minute scrambling, and burnout. Ultimately, summer planning is about creating a balance between structure and flexibility and learning and fun, as well as helping everyone in the family feel more regulated and connected (Knopf, 2015).

Key Elements of a Summer Plan

Below is an example of a well-rounded summer plan that includes five essential components for a more meaningful and enjoyable summer break:

• Daily Routine: Children feel and perform their best with predictable rhythms. However, it’s also important to make room for flexibility. In other words, your child’s daily routine doesn’t need to be as rigid as a school day and should have a general flow—such as wake-up time, meals, activities, and bedtime—that can create a sense of safety and ease (Ritchie, 2024).
• Balanced Activities: While creating a summer schedule for your child, it’s crucial to incorporate a mix of learning, play, and rest ​​(Ritchie, 2024). This means alternating between educational moments, physical activity, creative play, and quiet time. The goal is variety, not perfection.
• Social Time: Creating time and space for social opportunities is especially important during the summer break when children might not see their classmates as regularly. Playdates, summer camps, or even family outings to the park or pool can keep children connected to others while also enhancing their social skills.
• Skill-Building: Skill-building can include life skills (e.g., dressing), self-regulation tools (e.g., creating and utilizing a calm-down corner), or communication skills (e.g., asking for help). These are everyday moments that help our kids grow.
• Involvement: Encourage your child to help out with planning their summer (Ritchie, 2024). Giving them simple choices, such as what activity comes next or what snack to pack, can boost their confidence and engagement levels.

Creating a Daily Schedule

Every family’s needs are different, but here’s a sample daily schedule that offers a balance of structure and flexibility:

9:00 AM – Wake-up, hygiene, and breakfast

10:00 AM – Creative time (drawing, music, building)

11:00 AM – Movement break (walk, outdoor play, dancing)

12:00 PM – Lunch

1:00 PM – Quiet or learning time (books, puzzles, journaling)

3:00 PM – Free play or social activity

4:30 PM – Screen time (with limits)

6:00 PM – Dinner, bath, and bedtime routine

Tip: Use visual aids, timers, or sticker charts to support transitions and routines!

Screen Time with Intention

As humans living in a technologically driven world, it’s common to rely on electronic devices as a way to make use of spare time. However, summer is a great time to reset the balance (Ritchie, 2024). Set tech boundaries, such as:

• Screen-free mornings or meals
• 1–2 hour daily limits (with breaks)
• Replacing screen time with enriching alternatives (e.g., reading or outdoor play)

Collaborate with Your Child

Summer planning shouldn’t be something we do for our children. Instead, it should be something we can do with them. Involving your child can allow them to feel respected, capable, and empowered. One powerful way to go about involving your child in the planning process is by using supportive communication strategies. For example, instead of asking open-ended questions such as “What do you want to do?”, try offering structured choices such as, “Do you want to go to the park or do crafts after lunch?” This strategy can give children a sense of control while keeping their options manageable. You can also utilize “first-then” statements to support transitions (e.g., “First we clean up, then we can eat a snack”), which is helpful with setting clear expectations and preparing your child for what comes next. Another way to make summer planning more engaging is creating a visual schedule together using drawings, stickers, or a whiteboard to outline the day. 

Once summer planning has been completed, remember to celebrate the small wins along the way. Acknowledging your child’s efforts can build confidence, whether it’s following their schedule or surpassing a difficult transition. If and when things don’t go as planned, take time to validate your child’s emotions (e.g., “I know you were really looking forward to the playground. It’s okay to feel disappointed”). These small moments of connection make a big difference in helping children feel seen, supported, and capable.

Conclusion

Planning out your child’s summer doesn’t mean structuring every moment of the day. Instead, it’s about creating a rhythm that supports your child’s physical, emotional, and social growth while allowing the whole family to enjoy the summer break. All in all, summer is full of possibilities. 

References

Boylan K. (2019). Summer can be hard on kids with mental health problems. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal de l’Academie canadienne de psychiatrie de l’enfant et de l’adolescent, 28(2), 44.

Knopf, A. (2015). Kids in the Summer: A guide for parents. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 31(S8), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbl.30063

Ritchie, D. (2024, June 13). How to create a summer schedule for Children (That Everyone will Enjoy) – Calendar. Calendar. https://www.calendar.com/blog/how-to-create-a-summer-schedule-for-children-that-everyone-will-enjoy/