How to Help Anxious Kids Transition Into Summer

First, a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible moms, caregivers, and teachers in our lives. Your care, patience, and steady presence make the world a better place, especially for the kids who count on you most.

To everybody: Happy (almost) summer, friends!

I for one can’t wait to get out on Lake Michigan with the paddleboard I got off of Facebook Marketplace!

But while many of us are looking forward to summer adventures, it’s worth remembering that not every kid is feeling the same excitement. The transition into summer is still a transition.

For many anxious kids, structure and routine provide a sense of control. Even if school is stressful, it’s familiar. Summer, despite being fun, can introduce less structure and more uncertainty. That shift can feel unsettling.

How to Support Anxious Kids During the Summer Transition

1. Create a Predictable (but Flexible) Schedule

Children with anxiety often feel safest when they know what to expect. While summer should include free time, aim for a loose daily rhythm—breakfast, play, screen time, outings, quiet time, bedtime, just so your child doesn’t feel adrift.

2. Co-Plan the First Week

Involve your child in planning some aspects of the first week of summer break. Ask:

• What’s something you’re excited about?

• What’s one thing we can do to feel calm and ready?

Feeling some control reduces anxiety and helps kids ‘opt-in’ to plans.

3. Develop Coping Plans for Challenges

Summer often includes new or uncertain situations like camp, travel, or changes in routine. This can be a great time to review coping strategies or create a simple plan for how to handle moments of anxiety.

4. Watch for Avoidance

It’s natural to want to make summer stress-free, but we also want to be mindful not to accidentally accommodate anxiety. Avoidance like skipping camp, refusing to swim, or opting out of new experiences can shrink your child’s world and maintain anxiety over time. Instead, support gradual exposure to new or uncomfortable situations with warmth and encouragement.

5. Focus on Strengths

Summer is a great time to let kids shine. Whether it’s art, nature walks, baking, or reading, help them invest time in activities that build pride and joy. Filling up on the positive is one of the best antidotes to anxiety.

Bottom line: helping anxious kids preview, plan, and practice for transitions can make a big difference.

And while we’re focusing on the kids, don’t forget about you.

Summer can be a transition for grown-ups too—shifting routines, new demands, and sometimes less personal time. Taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you, it helps your kids feel more grounded, too.

We created the the Good Enough Parent Toolkit to help you pause, reset, and take small, supportive steps forward.

A Simple Wellness reflection for Adults

Take a moment to reflect on your own wellbeing. What is one thing you already do to take care of yourself? What is one small thing you could add this summer to support your wellness Sometimes small, intentional shifts can make a meaningful difference. And small shifts, both for kids and adults, tend to add up over time.

Wishing you all the best as you launch your summer,

Dr. Rachel and the Well Brain Team