School’s Out: Managing Summer Transitions for Children and Teens

As the final school bell rings and backpacks are stowed away, children and teens across the country begin their eagerly awaited summer break. For many, it’s a time of freedom, fun, and exploration. But for others, the sudden shift in routine, social engagement, and academic expectations can lead to unexpected emotional and mental health challenges. Whether it’s boredom, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to a less-structured environment, summer transitions are more than just a logistical shift—they’re a psychological one, too.

Understanding how these changes impact mental health is essential for caregivers and parents. Here’s how to recognize potential struggles and support kids and teens in making the most of their summer months.

The Psychology of Transition

School provides structure, predictability, and routine—three elements that are especially important for children and adolescents' mental well-being. With the arrival of summer, that framework often dissolves overnight. For some kids, especially those with anxiety, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorders, this abrupt change can lead to heightened stress, mood swings, or behavioral issues.

Teens may also struggle with the lack of routine, but their stressors can look different. The loss of peer interaction, sports or club involvement, and even academic purpose can trigger feelings of loneliness or decreased motivation. For high schoolers especially, summer can bring anxiety about the future—college plans, job searches, or simply “doing enough” during the break.

The shift from structure to freedom isn’t inherently negative, but it requires a recalibration that not every child or teen handles with ease.

Common Mental Health Concerns During Summer

Increased Anxiety or Depression

Without school to provide a daily schedule, some children may become more withdrawn or restless. Teens, particularly, may experience feelings of isolation, especially if their social lives were heavily rooted in school interactions. This isolation can increase symptoms of anxiety or depression, which may go unnoticed amid the assumption that summer should be a carefree time.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

With later bedtimes and less accountability, children’s sleep routines can easily become erratic. Poor sleep has a direct impact on mood, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help safeguard mental health.

Screen Time Overload

With more free hours, many children and teens turn to screens for entertainment. While some screen use is harmless, excessive time on social media, video games, or passive consumption can lead to overstimulation, mood disturbances, and unhealthy social comparisons.

Loss of Purpose or Identity

School gives many kids a sense of purpose, identity, and accomplishment. When it’s gone, especially for high-achieving students or those who thrive on routine, they can feel a bit adrift. Teens in particular may struggle with feelings of uselessness or self-doubt during this “downtime.”

Supporting Healthy Transitions

Parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in easing the transition and supporting children’s emotional needs over the summer.

1. Maintain Some Routine

While summer is a time to relax, maintaining a loose daily schedule can help children and teens feel secure. Include regular wake-up times, meals, screen time limits, and designated “productive” hours for reading, chores, or hobbies. Routine doesn’t have to be rigid—it just needs to provide a sense of order.

2. Encourage Physical Activity and Outdoor Time

Exercise is a powerful mood regulator. Outdoor play for kids or regular walks, hikes, or team sports for teens can help release built-up energy and lower stress. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts vitamin D levels, which support mental health.

3. Foster Social Connection

Create opportunities for kids to stay socially engaged. This could mean organizing playdates, enrolling them in summer camps, or encouraging group activities like art classes, music lessons, or sports. For teens, part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities can provide both structure and social interaction.

4. Offer Emotional Check-Ins

Summer is a great time to strengthen emotional bonds. Make space for conversations about how they’re feeling, what they’re enjoying, and what they’re struggling with. Ask open-ended questions and validate their emotions, even when they don’t align with the expectation that “summer should be fun.”

5. Support Meaningful Engagement

Encourage projects that provide a sense of accomplishment—like learning a new skill, starting a creative endeavor, or reading a book series. These pursuits help children and teens build confidence and prevent the drift into boredom or apathy.

When to Seek Help

While some fluctuation in mood and behavior is normal during seasonal transitions, persistent signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes warrant professional support. If a child is withdrawing from activities they usually enjoy, experiencing sleep disturbances, expressing hopelessness, or showing changes in appetite or energy levels, it may be time to reach out for support.