Summer Mental Health Tips for Families
The beach is a great place to protect your mental health this summer.
Summer has a way of slowing things down.
School is out, the weather is warmer and the vibes are high. It’s a chance to catch our breath, reset our routines, and take care of our mental health—something that’s too easy to push to the side during the rest of the year.
Why Summer Matters for Mental Health
More sunlight, fewer schedules, and a chance to get outside. But let’s be real—summer break isn’t always a carefree reset for everyone. Parents still have to work, and juggling your kid’s endless free time can feel like a second job.
When school ends and the calendar opens up, it’s not an instant fix. Sure, there’s less pressure to perform in the classroom, but for families, it can also mean new kinds of stress: patching together childcare, figuring out how to fill the long hours, or just managing the shift from school-year routine to summer free-for-all.
That’s why it’s so important to find small ways to slow down, even if it’s not a full reset. Maybe it’s a walk after dinner. Maybe it’s just ten quiet minutes outside. Even with the chaos of summer schedules and work demands, those small breaks add up. The extra daylight isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an opportunity. The sun staying out longer creates more space in the day to step back, breathe, and find a moment of calm.
How to Use Summer to Support Mental Health
1. Make the Most of the Outdoors
It doesn’t take elaborate plans or expensive vacations. A simple walk in the fresh air can be enough. And sometimes, it’s just about showing up where the community’s already gathering—an evening concert in the park, a farmers’ market, or a local event that gets you out of the house and out of your head. These moments—small and easy—can give you a mental reset and help cut through the stress.
2. Balance Rest and Routine
Kids and teens thrive when they know what to expect, but summer shouldn’t feel like another version of school. Find a rhythm that gives them some consistency—like steady mealtimes or a calm bedtime routine—while still leaving space for downtime. This balance helps kids (and parents) feel grounded and safe.
3. Try New Things—Even Small Ones
Summer is a great time for your child to explore what interests them. Maybe it’s joining a surf camp, testing out a class, or just making up games in the backyard. Trying new things isn’t just about fighting boredom; it builds confidence and curiosity, which can be real antidotes to stress.
4. Strengthen Connections
Without the usual rush, there’s more space to really see the people in your life. Take advantage of it. Invite friends over for a simple barbecue or catch up with family at a sunset walk. Those small moments of connection can have a big impact on how secure and supported everyone feels.
5. Watch for Warning Signs
Even when the sun is shining, mental health challenges don’t always disappear. If you notice your child seems down, anxious, or withdrawn—trust your gut. Summer might make these issues more noticeable because there’s finally time to pause and pay attention. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation or reach out for help.
Why Is Summer Break Good for Kids’ Mental Health?
Parents often wonder: Does summer break actually help kids?
The answer is surprisingly simple—summer breaks the cycle of constant performance. There’s no pressure to be perfect, no daily tests to pass, no social hierarchy in the lunchroom. Kids can sleep in, play, and just exist without the weight and burden of school.
This break can be a turning point. It’s like their nervous system finally has space to take a deep breath. Kids who were wound tight during the year often show up more open, more present, and more themselves. Summer doesn’t erase challenges, but it does create a space where healing can start.
Local Tips to Make Summer Count
In Newport Beach, summer isn’t just a season—it’s a the place to be. Use that to your advantage:
Check into local events - there are tons of community events for adults and families.
Go explore - it can be easy to forget how amazing this area is - go remember.
Take family dinners outside—no screens, just good food and conversation.
Final Thoughts on Summer: Summer isn’t just a break—it’s a chance. Sure, it can be chaotic, with more demands on parents and too much downtime for kids. But it’s also a chance to slow down and step back from the usual grind. Use that pause. Even in the mess, there’s room for a little reset—for your kids, and for you too.
Finding Mental Health Support in Orange County
Summer can be a healing season, but it’s not a magic fix. If your child seems stuck—if worries won’t fade or anxiety feels too heavy—there’s no reason to wait. Therapy and mental health support in Orange County is available and we’re here to help