Why a Highly Sensitive Child Struggles with Summer Break & How to Help
Summer break is just around the corner. And for your highly sensitive child (HSC) summer break may have a surprisingly negative impact.
The end of the school year is drawing to a close. Usually, there’s a collective sigh of relief (especially from the teachers) as school is put on hold for a few months. Summer break beckons nonetheless.
Why a Highly Sensitive Child Has Difficulty Transitioning From School to Summer Break
Empty days. No obligations. You don’t have to set alarm clocks. No struggling to get out of the door on time. No days full of classrooms, lessons and busy activities. Heavenly right?
Well yes and no.
For a highly sensitive child, the absence of a daily routine during summer break can cause stress and a feeling of chaos.
HSCs like routines. They like structure. These children like to know what is coming. They like to be able to picture their day. And school provides a surprisingly easy way for that to happen. Take away school and you take away the predictability of their day.
So whilst your HSC may love the idea of summer break and no school they may actually have a problem getting used to vacation time. They need time and help to make that transition.
It takes my three boys at least a week to shake the school year off, get used to the lack of routine and start enjoying their break.
Vacation Plans?
If you have a summer holiday planned your HSC may take even longer to feel settled with the new routine (or lack of). If you are heading somewhere new a HSC may be excited but at the same time also feel stressed. Changes in environment can be difficult for a HSC, even if it is a fun summer holiday they are looking forward to.
Read: How to Get the Best Out of Your Vacation with a Highly Sensitive Child
How to Survive Summer Break with a Highly Sensitive Child
Structure
That’s the key to surviving summer break with a HSC. It doesn’t have to be regimented, or rigidly structured every day, but help your HSC see how their week/day will look before you get there.
Plan
Hang up an overview of the month (week by week) so your HSC can see what’s on the agenda.
Make it fun!
Sit down at the beginning of summer break and have each kid make a summer bucket list. Involve your HSCs in the planning of their summer. My three sons love making a summer list.
Build in bucket time
Build time out into your day – for the kids, but for you too! Having the kids home all the time means you need to think about your own bucket too.
Schedule down time
Mark down time on the calendar. Schedule down time in after a busy day. Actually plan it in and write it on the calendar.
Engage help
Set up play dates. Ask family and friends to help you out.
Use calming tools
Have a bucket box set up and ready for immediate use for whenever you see your child struggling.
Keep normal life going
If you have a visual planner or a chore chart set up (take a peek at the Kids Command Centre if you don’t yet have one set up yet), for example, then continue using it during the summer break.
Use Fun Activity Tools
Look for tools to make the transition from school to the summer break fun for you and your highly sensitive child.
Tip: The Sunny Day Family Printable Summer Activity Planner for Kids (with Summer Fun Coupon Book too!). If you use the code FRIENDS you get 25% off any item in the shop.
Return to School
Prepare your HSC well in advance for the return to school as the summer break comes to an end.
Reading Tip: How to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Back to School After the Summer Break.
FYI: For your convenience, this post may include affiliate links to products and books I find useful. They cost you nothing more to buy, but I may get a small commission.
