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Summer is not so easy for kids
In popular culture, summer is almost always presented as a time of joy and relaxation for young people: a stress-free escape when they can kick back and enjoy some time off. Unfortunately, the reality is very different for many students. Summer is also a time when the lack of structure and socialization that school provides can lead to increased isolation and heightened feelings of loneliness.
Considering the scale of the mental health crisis affecting America’s youth, those feelings can have a concerning and even tragic impact on young people. A CDC study found that 42% of high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that disrupted normal activities—along with an alarming increase in the number of students who have considered or attempted self-harm or suicide. Skyrocketing social media use only makes things worse, leading to harmful peer comparisons and potential self-worth issues that can be damaging or dangerous at a time when developing brains are particularly susceptible to those feelings—and to the depression that often follows.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a fitting time to not only acknowledge the scale of the problem, but to take steps to increase awareness and provide students with the resources, structure, and support they need during vulnerable moments. Parents can help combat the summertime blues by incorporating meaningful activities and interactions that keep children learning and help maintain the daily structure they have grown so accustomed to. Here are some ideas that can give purpose to your child’s summer days:
- Work a summer job—Nothing forges stronger friendships than working alongside their peers. In addition to building lasting friendships, your child can earn money, gain experience, and learn the value of work ethic and perseverance in stressful situations.
- Explore the outdoors—Help your child plant their favorite flowers or vegetables in a garden or encourage them to start a lawn mowing gig in your community. Being outside this summer will give them exercise and sunshine, which can positively affect their mental health.
- Dive into reading—Your child can get ahead on next year’s reading list or start a reading club with friends. Trips to the local library will allow them to get out of the house and find some new options to dive into this summer.
- Build their skills—Does your child have a career goal or a skill they’d like to build? Help them explore their interests! If they enjoy writing, encourage them to write a blog post or a short story. Are they interested in working with children someday? Help them find local volunteer opportunities or find babysitting jobs.
As parents, we may not always be aware when our children are feeling lonely or sad. And while we can do our best to recognize the signs and teach them how to cope, it may not always be enough. By taking a proactive approach and engaging them in activities, we can help them stay connected with their peers and maintain a support system—safeguarding their mental health during the vulnerable summer months and throughout the year.
Steve Hoff is head of school at Iowa Virtual Academy.
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