05/22/2026
Summer brings a shift in routine that can be both liberating and overwhelming. Balancing childcare, work, and the pressure to make memories can quickly lead to burnout.
Here are four concise mental health tips for kids and adults to keep the season grounded.
1. Establish a “Loose Routine”
For Kids: Keep consistent wake-up and bedtimes. Create simple anchors like “reading after lunch.”
For Adults: Block out a dedicated window for your own tasks or decompression before the day gets hectic.
2. Practice “Green Therapy” Daily
For Kids: Burn off restless energy with unstructured outdoor play, trail walks, or park visits.
For Adults: Take a 15-minute screen-free reset—sit in the sun, walk in the grass, or drink coffee outside.
3. Normalize Boredom and Downtime
For Kids: Normalize boredom. It is a prerequisite for creativity and independent play.
For Adults: Permitting yourself to have “do-nothing” days is exactly what everyone’s mental health needs.
4. Create Separate and Shared “Quiet Zones”
For Kids: Set up a designated “quiet corner” with books or coloring to wind down without feeling punished.
For Adults: Communicate boundaries clearly, such as: “I need 10 minutes of quiet time, then I’m ready to play.”
Taking care of your collective mental health this summer doesn’t mean creating a flawless schedule; it means creating room to breathe. By lowering expectations and focusing on connection over constant entertainment, the whole family can head into autumn feeling truly refreshed.
