top of page

Fostering Resilience: A Summer Guide for Your Child's Mental Well-being

Welcome to a bright and promising summer! As the days grow longer, let's seize this opportunity to reset and rejuvenate our children's mental health. In this blog post, we delve into five key strategies designed to foster resilience and joy in our young ones. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or simply an invested adult, this guide offers valuable insights to make this summer a season of mental wellness and growth for our children. Let's make this a summer to remember!


(We read this article on CNN and found it helpful. We summarized it here with actionable tips).

Develop a Structured Routine:

As Dr. Chaudhary pointed out in the article, the structure of the school year provides a sense of stability beneficial for mental health. "We often take for granted the structure that comes with the school year," she said. In line with this, Dr. David Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, has also expressed the importance of a structured routine, saying, "Routine helps to organize life and keep it from becoming too chaotic."

Actionable Tips:
  • Create a schedule that includes time for different activities such as reading, outdoor play, family time, and rest.

  • Set consistent wake-up and bedtime hours to ensure that children get adequate sleep.

  • Regular meal times can also provide a sense of structure.


Master New Skills:

Dr. Chaudhary suggested setting a personal goal and working toward it with intention to develop a sense of mastery. "Science shows that a sense of mastery... can make you feel good about yourself and boost your mood," she said. Dr. Thomas Boyce, a pediatrician and researcher at UCSF, also supports this idea. He has stated, "Activities that stretch their [children's] capacities, that take them to their edge, are 'growth-promoting' experiences that build skills and confidence."
Actionable Tips:
  • Encourage your child to learn a new language or musical instrument.

  • Set reading goals: finishing a book series or a certain number of books over the summer.

  • Engage in a new sport or craft, or work on improving existing skills.


Practice Coping Skills:

According to Dr. Chaudhary, summer provides an opportunity for children to learn and practice coping skills for managing stress. "I think it can actually be easier to think through what coping skills you want to learn when you’re not in a moment of stress," she explained. Supporting this view, Dr. Mary Alvord, a psychologist and author specializing in resilience, has emphasized the need for children to develop coping mechanisms: "Resilience isn't a personality trait; it's a series of behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone."

Actionable Tips:
  • Teach children deep breathing techniques or mindfulness exercises to help manage stress.

  • Encourage them to express their feelings through writing in a journal or through art.

  • Promote physical activity like yoga or a simple walk, which can help calm the mind.


Play and Have Fun:

Dr. Chaudhary noted that playing and having fun is beneficial for mental health. She said, "Research shows that playing and having fun in a relaxed, creative, open-ended and joyful way is actually really, really good for our brains and overall health." This aligns with the view of Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, who has stressed, "Play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well."

Actionable Tips:
  • Encourage unstructured playtime where children can use their creativity.

  • Plan family outings to parks, museums, or local attractions.

  • Engage in board games, puzzles, or other fun family activities at home.


Foster Relationships:

Dr. Chaudhary emphasized the importance of nurturing relationships for children's mental health. She suggested, "Make that moment to FaceTime your grandparent. Schedule the movie night with your parents." This point is backed by Dr. Amy Banks, a psychiatrist and expert on the neurobiology of relationships, who said, "We are hardwired to connect with others; it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it, there can be serious health implications."

Actionable Tips:
  • Plan regular family activities or meals to enhance bonding.

  • Encourage children to keep in touch with their friends through calls or video chats.

  • Have your child help a neighbor or participate in community service to build empathy and community connection.


If these steps aren't enough, the article emphasizes seeking professional support. It's important to remember, as Dr. Chaudhary advised, "My advice here is unwavering: Get help." Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine, also stated, "We need to normalize mental health care. There should be no shame in taking steps to lead a healthier and happier life."

Remember, these strategies are not only beneficial for children but can also be useful for adults in managing their mental health.
1 view0 comments

Comments


Exclusive Free Ebook!

Discover the secrets to navigating parenting challenges in our tech-driven world. Learn mindful strategies, get actionable tips, and empower your family with a balanced approach to screen time.

🔒 We respect your privacy. No spam, ever.

Thanks for submitting! Check your email.

Happy Family
"Mindful Parenting in the Digital Age"
ComingSooneBook.jpg
bottom of page