Pathways For Change, Counseling Center for Children & Everyone

The Dog Days of Summer!

It is almost August! It always seems August brings the longest, hottest days of summer. The kids may be starting to get a little "bored" of the day to day random activities of summer vacation. They are not as easily entertained throughout the day and they are looking for "something to do." 

One suggestion I offer parents is to create a loose daily schedule. Outline the day for your child. It will give them a bit of structure which kids thrive on throughout the school year, love to shed when the middle of June rolls around, and are looking for again once the month of August is upon us. 

Create a fun easy schedule so that your child is reminded of things they need to get done throughout the day, and also, what fun activities are planned for them. This way they can look forward to those activities, and stop "bugging" their parents about being bored! 

A schedule also provides some predictability and for kids who have a bit of anxiety and like to be able to predict their environment, a schedule can go a long way in reducing symptoms of anxiety. 

Give it a try! August is a long month. What have you go to lose? Enjoy the last carefree days of summer!  Here's to happy children! 

Cheers! Jodi Merrill