Supporting your child’s mental health over the summer holidays
With children starting their summer holiday this week, a specialist from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is offering advice to families who may find the six-week break a challenging time.
For many families, the summer holidays bring a welcome break from school routines, packed lunches and early starts. But for others, the absence of school structure and support can feel overwhelming, especially if your child or young person struggles with their mental health.
Dr Beth Mosely MBE, Clinical Psychologist at NSFT, said: "Whether it's anxiety, low mood, difficulties with friendships, or emotional regulation, we know that the summer period can stir up a range of emotions, not just for our children, but for us as parents too.
"The good news is you don't need to be a therapist to support your child's wellbeing. You just need to be a consistent, curious, and compassionate presence."
Here are Dr Mosely's top tips on how you can help support your child over the summer and prepare for the return to school.
1. Keep Some Gentle Structure
Although we all benefit from a break, total lack of routine can leave some children feeling unanchored or dysregulated. Try to maintain some light daily rhythms, regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily outdoor time can be a helpful base.
2. Stay Emotionally Available
Your child might not be able to explain exactly how they're feeling, especially if they're worried about going back to school or missing the safety of term-time support. Try asking your child if they are excited for the holidays but also feeling a bit unsettled without school.
3. Use the Summer to Build Skills for Resilience
This can be a time to grow emotional skills outside of school pressure. Whether it's cooking together, managing money for an outing, or problem-solving during a board game, these everyday activities help children feel capable and connected.
4. Access Support - You're Not Alone
If you're a parent who relies on the routine, staff, or mental health support available at school, the summer may feel like a gap you're unsure how to bridge. Please know you're not alone, and support is available.
Our NSFT Psychology in Schools Team has developed a range of FREE online workshops for parents and carers, available anytime. These are designed to help you feel more confident in supporting your child's mental health, and cover topics such as:
- Understanding and responding to anxiety
- Building resilience in uncertain times
- Supporting sleep and routine
- Helping your child with friendships and confidence
- Preparing for transitions and new school years
You can explore our online workshops here: www.nsft.nhs.uk/psychology-in-schools.
You'll also find recommended books, videos, and helpful signposting.
5. Prepare Gently for the New School Year
The end of summer can feel daunting, especially for those who find change difficult. Instead of a last-minute rush, try gradually reintroducing school-related routines, such as:
- Adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times week-by-week
- Visiting or walking past the school if anxiety is high
- Talking positively, but realistically, about the year ahead
- Reassuring your child that support will be there when they return
If you're worried about your child's mental health and things aren't improving, reach out to your GP or visit the support pages on NSFT's website for further guidance.
Please find a photo of Beth Mosley MBE for use here: Beth Mosley - HS - landscape - outside 600x400.zip [zip] 96KB