Summer Break 2016: Novelist Tanya Peterson Shares Expert Advice To Have A Fun, Exciting And Mentally Healthy Summer For Kids

Summer is fast approaching and kids are definitely excited for their ultimate summer adventure. But aside from summer necessities to ensure kids' safety and physical health, novelist and public speaker on mental health Tanya J. Peterson reveals ensuring the mental health of children during the summer break is also a must.

So, what are the things that parents should consider to help children be mentally healthy during their summer break? According to Peterson, there are certain things necessary for kids to have healthy mental health and well-being this summer season and written below are some tips to help parents and caregivers ensure their children will have a great mentally healthy summer.

Importance Of Love And Belonging To Mental Health And Well-Being

Several researches from notable psychologists including Abraham Maslow and William Glasser have explained that love and belonging are basic human needs. In fact, both are essential for mental health and well-being.

For children of all ages, school is a major source of belonging. In general, school offers a vital sense of belonging and human connection. But when schools take the summer break, some kids experience a challenging time adjusting to a sudden void in their network of connections.

So, parents and caregivers should help children adjust and maintain a sense of belonging by helping them know that they are not alone, especially when they're feeling down, lonely or troubled. Parents can also plan some special activities that allow your child to connect with you. Peterson said a picnic in a park, a game of catch in the backyard or a night of stargazing are some of the perfect ideas.

Since children need peer connections to be mentally healthy, parents can also allow their children to have friends over their house, go to friends' houses or simply connect with kids of the same age. That way, it fulfills the need for belonging and establishes a support network, contributing to the development of children's resilience.

Maintaining Kids' Sense Of Purpose

School is a major factor that helps kids develop their sense of purpose. In fact, schoolchildren need to feel a motivation or a drive to stay mentally healthy, especially during summer break where their lackadaisical days can potentially trigger feelings of anxiety and depression.

That's why, maintaining a child's sense of purpose is necessary. Fortunately, Peterson share some two helpful tips - allowing the kids to help plan and decide the summer activities with age-appropriate limitations and giving them age-appropriate chores.

These ideas do not only help children to develop a sense of purpose but also boost their self-confidence, which is a vital component of mental health. But aside from sense of belongingness and purpose, parents should also remember that having fun is also significant for kids to be mentally healthy.

The Importance Of Having Fun To Mental Health And Well-Being

Did you know that fun is also vital to mental health and well-being? According to Peterson, experiencing fun reduces stress, anxiety and depression. It also increases a person's sense of connection to others.

Summer vacation, however, can be an encumbrance to children because they are away from school, away from their normal routine, group of supportive adults and friends. That's why, kids sometimes get themselves into trouble.

Fun As A Balancing Act

Peterson also stressed that fun is a balancing act, which means children need structured fun like sports, clubs, classes and camps involvements. In addition, structured fun provides routine and a sense of safety but too much structure can be suffocating and stressful, which can trigger anxiety.

To enhance their mental health, kids also need unscheduled time for free-play. To find this balance, parents should decide how much you can spend on structured activities as well as research what is available in your area. Also, parents should allow their children to help them choose one or a few structured activities.

Another tip to find this balance is by putting together a kit or box for free-time, of course with your child's contribution. Ultimately, parents should always remember that belonging, purpose and fun are the important factors that help kids enjoy a mentally healthy summer.

So, are your kids ready for a mentally healthy summer? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.