The summer transition is coming. Is your family ready? Transitioning to a summer schedule can be challenging for families. With some planning and consistency, you can help your kids adjust as smoothly as possible. Whether you’ve got school-aged kids who are impatiently awaiting the end of the school year or your family is switching to a more relaxed summer childcare schedule, Early Childhood Academy is here to help.
Summer Transition Tip 1: Stick to Your Routine
Children of all ages thrive on routine. Big, sudden changes to your family’s daily routine is what makes the summer transition difficult for little kids and big kids alike. Take a moment to write down your family’s current routine, including wake times, meal times, and when your children play, rest, and go to bed. Which activities are non-negotiable, and which ones offer some flexibility? We suggest using your current wake times, nap/rest times, bedtimes, and meals/snacks as your anchors for the day and add flexibility around these anchors.
Summer Transition Tip 2: Adjust Sleep Times (or Not)
Keeping your child’s sleep routine consistent can help make the transition to summer easier. But sometimes, your summer schedule requires changes to bedtime and wake time. Your school-aged kiddos could be looking forward to later bedtimes and lazy summer mornings. Or, you may need to get them up early for camp or a full day of fun at Early Childhood Academy. If you want or need to adjust your child’s sleep schedule, start one to two weeks before the transition occurs. Shift bedtime or wake-up time by 15 to 30 minutes every few days until you’re on your desired schedule.
Whether you decide to change your child’s sleep times or not, keep your bedtime rituals in place. Continue to offer a snack, read books, take a bath, or anything else that’s part of your family’s bedtime routine.
Summer Transition Tip 3: Move Their Bodies
Physical activity can help kids adjust to the summer transition. Movement helps kids (and parents!) reduce stress and anxiety. It also improves sleep. Get your kids outside and moving as much as possible during the day. You could take them to a playground, arrange a play date, run around in your yard, enroll them in sports, visit a park or nature center, or take a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood.
Summer Transition Tip 4: Lead by Example
If you’re stressing about the summer transition, chances are high that your kids are, too. Children look to us for how to mentally and emotionally process change. If they sense we are stressed, they will think that is how they should react. So, fake it until you make it, don’t let them see you sweat, and model healthy habits by sticking with your routine, keeping to your own sleep schedule, and moving your body.
Summer Transition Tip 5: Be Patient
No matter how much planning and preparation you do, the summer transition can still be stressful for some kids. Be patient with them and yourself during this time. Offer reassurance and support to anxious kids. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Once the transition is done, summer fun awaits!
Making the transition to your summer routine can be stressful. The Early Childhood Academy team is here to help our families make the change to a summer schedule go more smoothly. Not part of the Academy’s family yet? Schedule your tour today.
