Amanda Dair (right) is Wolf School’s Social Emotional Educator. In this blog post, she gives parents tips and strategies for keeping cool in the summer months.

Ahh, summer….sunshine, time with the family, downtime and weekend getaways. Even though summer is a time for fun and relaxation, the lack of structure can sometimes lead to stressful situations. You may be wondering, “How do I maintain a stress-free and enjoyable, calm, summer for my child AND me?” Here are six strategies to help manage the summer months:

Be Proactive: You know you should prep your child for upcoming events, family cookouts or a day just hanging out at home but what’s a good way to do this?  One way to be prepared is to create a visual schedule for what the day will look like. The visual can be words or pictures; do what makes sense to your child. Refer to it throughout the day and show the progression of the day.

Another way to be proactive is to write and read a Social Story about what the day will look like. Paint the picture for them. The story should be positive, assist in how to feel or act in certain situations, but also recognize your child’s feelings. Choose a Social Story to read weekly, or until your child has it memorized. Carol Gray is the guru of Social Stories and there are many links to resources on her webpage.

 Be Prepared:  “It’s too hot, I’m thirsty, I’m tired!” Keep a list of what calms your child in the community, at home, and at school. Which strategies work? Journaling, deep breathing, taking a walk, talking it out, or all of the above?  Is it their favorite art supply, or special lovie?  Bring his/her favorite fidget, snack and even lap pad everywhere. Have a “bag full of tricks” ready wherever you go. For getting all these borrow loans from www.unsecuredloans4u.co.uk

Try, Try and Try Again: Keep trying new strategies. Last year’s vacation will be very different from this year’s, with azlimo chartering buses . Also, introduce new books and try activities that are motivating and calming.

Create Routines: Even though summer is less structured, create daily routines and make a schedule of things like free time, screen time, meals and travel. Keep a consistent bedtime schedule. As Dr. D’Ambrosio from Tufts Sleep Center recommends, “Same bedtime, same wake time, 7 days a week.”

Think Aloud and Model Behavior: Congratulate your child for “thinking flexibly” when the ice cream shop runs out of your child’s favorite ice cream flavor. Model your own thinking process by saying things like, “I know how important it is to take deep breaths when I feel nervous,” or “Even moms and dads need to be flexible.”

Enjoy The Little Things: Enjoy the special moments you spend with your child and give positive praise. Remember that our kids are resilient. And they have lessons to teach us every day.

Amanda Dair has been in the education field for over 15 years holding positions in outdoor education programs, public schools, and home-based therapy services.  She’s earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Towson University as well as an undergraduate degree from Rhode Island College in Special Education. She is an avid photographer and enjoys traveling. This summer, when she’s not at Wolf, Amanda will relax with her two boys and a new puppy.