Summer break can disrupt children's routines

Local 12 reported on June 3 that summer break can be difficult for children who rely on the structure of the school year, especially those with mental health concerns. The station said experts urged parents to keep routines in place as classes end and daily schedules change. The advice centered on practical steps for June and July, when children can lose access to school-based supports and spend more time at home. (kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org) Local 12’s report fits with guidance from children’s mental health groups and clinicians who say the shift from school to summer can bring anxiety, irritability and sleep disruption for some children. ### Why can summer break be hard on some children? University of Utah Health said on May 28 that the move from “predictable school routines” to less structure can be stressful for some children. The health system said school provides daily structure, social interaction, mental stimulation and physical activity, all of which can change quickly once summer starts. Kelsey Traeger, a licensed clinical social worker with the Teenscope and Kidstar Programs at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, said some children “really thrive with the structure that school provides.” She said an unstructured summer can also bring more social isolation and screen time, which can make the transition back to school harder. (healthcare.utah.edu) ### Which children may feel the change most? Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of the Kids Mental Health Foundation and a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said children can be at higher risk for isolation, irregular sleep and less engagement in activities when school is out. (healthcare.utah.edu) She said that risk can be greater for children who are already dealing with mental health challenges. The Kids Mental Health Foundation said in a May 2025 release that half of parents of school-aged children were just as concerned about their child’s mental health during summer as during the school year. (healthcare.utah.edu) One in 10 parents said they were more concerned during summer. The top concerns were increased screen time, boredom and lack of structured activities, and disrupted routines or sleep schedules. ### What changes should parents watch for once school ends? University of Utah Health said sudden routine changes can show up as anxiety, tantrums, irritability, clinginess, social isolation and difficulty adjusting to camps or child care settings. (kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org) The guidance also pointed to disrupted sleep schedules as a common sign that the transition is not going smoothly. Local TV reports cited in the source briefings said experts advised parents to pay attention to children who depend on school-based programs and support services during the academic year. That includes checking what services continue through summer and whether families need replacement plans for June and July. (kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org) ### What are experts telling families to do now? Traeger said parents should “build structure when and where you can.” She recommended sitting down with a child to create a daily schedule and setting aside weekends or days off for family activities. (healthcare.utah.edu) University of Utah Health said families do not need a rigid plan to help children. Its guidance called for keeping bedtime and wake-up times consistent and serving meals and snacks around the same time each day. The Kids Mental Health Foundation also said families can use summer structure, balanced screen-time habits and planned activities to reduce risk factors. (healthcare.utah.edu) ### Where can parents find help during the summer months? The Kids Mental Health Foundation said its free resources include guidance on maintaining summer structure, managing screen time and using unstructured time constructively. (healthcare.utah.edu) The group said those materials are available for families looking for support as school lets out. June and July are the months when many families will need to decide how to replace school-day routines, monitor behavior changes and confirm whether school-linked supports continue through the break. Local 12’s June 3 report and the Kids Mental Health Foundation’s summer resources give parents a starting point for those next steps. (healthcare.utah.edu) (kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org)