How To Help Kids Manage Summer Depression

Summer is finally here, and it’s easy to assume that your kids will enjoy every day they don’t have to be in school! But, the excitement of summer vacation can wear off quickly and go well beyond basic boredom. 

In fact, some kids get more depressed in the summer. 

While you’ve probably heard of seasonal depression and have associated it with the cold winter months, it can happen in summer, too. So, what can you do if your child is showing signs of depression this season? 

Understand The Cause

There are plenty of things that can trigger summer depression. From a lack of structure and consistency to feeling less support and connection, many factors can cause your child to start feeling low.

Even if your child might “complain” about school or talk about how excited they are for summer, it typically doesn’t take long for these feelings to kick in. Kids thrive on routine and structure; if they’re on a long break where they aren’t receiving those things, it can affect their mental well-being.

Developing a better understanding of why your child is struggling with depression over the summer should be your first step. Once you know the source, you can start fighting back. 

Establish A Schedule

One of the best ways to combat summer depression in kids is to put together a schedule. Again, kids thrive on routine, so while a summer schedule might look different, it can still help.

Consider having your kids wake up at the same time each day, do a few chores, spend some time outside, or do some reading. Write down the schedule that’s expected of them each day so everyone is on the same page. 

Having a little bit of structure can go a long way in providing your child with a sense of security and stability. Routines will not only give your child a sense of purpose throughout the summer but also help ensure their circadian rhythm stays on track. 

Spend Quality Time Together

If your child is a bit older, they might be able to stay home by themselves or spend time with a sibling or babysitter while you’re working during the day. While there’s nothing wrong with that, make an effort to spend quality time together this summer.

Depression can cause people to isolate themselves. Unfortunately, that tends to make matters worse. Spend one-on-one time with your child, and encourage them to engage with the things they typically enjoy, even if they don’t seem to want to. Social interaction can be a big boost for someone with depression, and it gives your kid a chance to open up and talk to you about how they’re feeling. 

Limit Screen Time

Your kid might be tempted to spend most of their summer days online, whether on a computer, tablet, or phone. 

While a little screen time is okay, be sure to limit it. Not only can it affect their sleep cycle, but if they’re on social media, it could fuel their depression if they feel like they’re missing out or if they’re comparing themselves to others. 

Make sure your kid spends time outside instead. It’s a natural mental health booster and a fantastic opportunity to soak up the warm weather. Encourage physical activity, mindfulness practices, and even journaling to help them manage their depression symptoms. 

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help for your child if they seem to be struggling. Summer depression is a genuine disorder and not something to take lightly. If you’re concerned about your child’s well-being this summer, feel free to contact me for more information about child therapy.