By forexlibrary 
Summer is coming soon, and May is Mental Awareness Month. Now is the best time to discuss children’s mental health and their summer vacation.
Summer offers kids a welcome break from the academic grind and a chance to recharge. Summer can bring new challenges, without the predictability and structure of school. It also offers the social support of meeting friends almost every day. These are some of the ways that you can support your child’s mental health all summer.
Social-emotional learning is a good practice
You can give your children social-emotional learning activities (SEL) just like parents do with their kids’ academic workbooks. You can find many SEL resources you can print and give to your child, such as an inner weather report or a mindfulness sheet. Your child could also keep a summer diary or engage in other projects that encourage reflection.
Establish a schedule
It’s tempting for summer to allow your child to stay up all night, play in the evenings, and do unstructured activities. However, children are more comfortable if they have a consistent routine. To ensure your child gets enough sleep, establish consistent meal times, chores, and bedtimes. To give your child more structure, you might consider enrolling them into a summer program. While summer camp is a classic, you might also consider other summer activities or volunteer opportunities within your locality.
Take them outside
Some children are content to stay home all day. Research shows that exercising and being outdoors can reduce stress and improve mood. You can encourage your child to be outside, even if they prefer watching TV or playing video games.
Embrace community
Your child might feel isolated during summer break because school is often a place where they can find support. You should ensure that they have the opportunity to meet new friends and explore new places. They could be kids from the area, clubs that are based on hobbies or sports, or support groups for children with mental illness. Plan plenty of family activities. Summer is a great time to bond with your children.
Whatever you do, make sure to communicate with your child all of your plans so that they are aware of what to expect. This will ensure that they are ready and excited for their summer break.