When we think of summer, we often envision blue skies, warm nights, and leisurely moments spent by the pool or at the beach. For some families, however, the anticipation of summer can bring about anxiety.
This summer anxiety often arises as the school year comes to a close, with children starting new camps or preparing for the upcoming school year. Parents begin to recognize and identify the various triggers that may cause their children to feel anxious.
At first glance, these feelings might seem like simple summer jitters or a longing for daily interaction with friends. However, it’s essential not to downplay a child’s fears and mood swings. While some children may adapt to these transitions with a positive outlook, others may experience a more profound impact from these changes in their lives.
Being able to navigate the experiences your child is going through is significant in addressing the core issues. This is a work in progress. Answers may not come as quickly as needed; however, don’t be discouraged. This is your child’s journey as well as yours; learning to identify triggers, obstacles, and transition periods is key.
Encourage your child to express their feelings openly, while also being open to interpretation. Remember, feelings need to be acknowledged and embraced. At times, there is a hesitancy when emotions can be overwhelming. However, these are the moments when your child’s foundation for resilience and growth is developing.
Here are some journaling exercises that you and your child can participate in together.
Exercise #1
Write down four adjectives that describe you emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Observe and take an inventory of these adjectives and feelings associated with them. Take note of the various time periods, starting at the end of the school year, continuing through the summer, and then finally transitioning into the new school year. Are there similarities? What are the differences, what are the peaks, the highs, and the lows?
Exercise #2
Write down an event in your life that was a turning point and why. It can be either positive or negative. How did it change your life, and why? The reason I encourage journaling exercises is that we often don’t realize or connect the major life events that have happened in our childhood. These major events are often turning points. It’s crucial to acknowledge and explore them.
Exercise #3
This is great for children. They can write down five statements about themselves that they think their parents don’t know about them. It can be anything; nothing is too small. Parents do the same. Share your answers in a family circle and encourage open discussions.
Summer can be such a beautiful time of year; it marks new beginnings, endings, and transitions into the next stages of life. By encouraging your family to participate in ongoing open dialogues about their feelings, thoughts, and fears, we can address how life’s ever-changing events don’t always have to be viewed as a finality, but instead as a vessel into our next journey.
