Helping Kids Adjust to a New Summer Routine

Ally Bremer
Jun 29
3 min read

Has transitioning into summer felt more like a landslide than a gentle slide into vacation mode? Routines change, structure disappears overnight, and suddenly, you’re trying to figure out how to get your 7-year-old to brush their teeth again before noon. School gives kids structure, whether they like it or not. They know where to be, what’s expected of them, and when snack time is. Even the most spontaneous or creative kids still benefit from that predictability, it helps them feel secure and in control.When summer hits, a lot of that structure disappears. Bedtimes get pushed, meals become a little looser, and days can start to blend together. While adults typically crave less structure, kids still need some rhythm to their day. Their brains are developing rapidly, and consistency helps them regulate emotions, behaviors, and expectations.

Some kids love the break in routine, but many show subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs that they’re feeling a bit off. Here are some signs to look out for:

● “They’re extra emotional lately.”

● “They seem more anxious, especially at bedtime.”

● “They’re complaining about being bored but don’t want to do anything I suggest.”

● “They’re picking more fights with their siblings.”

All of those behaviors can be a kid’s way of saying, “I don’t know what’s happening and I need help making sense of it.” Good news: you don’t need a military-style schedule or color-coded calendar to give your kids a stable summer. Here are some realistic tips for what you can do to add structure to your child's summer:

1. Create a “Loose” Summer Routine - This means you’re not scheduling every hour of the day, but you do have predictable markers kids can count on. Think:

● Morning routine (wake, eat, get dressed—even if it’s into swimwear!)

● Activity block (camp, outing, reading time, screen time—your choice)

● Midday break or rest time

● Afternoon play

● Dinner

● Wind-down routine and bedtime (as close to the school year as you can manage)

Even posting a simple daily rhythm on the fridge can make a huge difference.

2. Stick to Anchors: Meals, Sleep, and Movement- Kids thrive when their basic needs are met consistently. In summer, sleep tends to slide, but tired kids are crankier and less flexible. Try to keep bedtimes and wake times within a reasonable range. (A 30–60 minute shift is fine) Same goes for meals and physical activity. Keep regular mealtimes and make sure they’re moving their bodies in some way each day, even if it’s dancing in the living room.

3. Give Them Some Choices- Summer can feel disempowering for kids if it’s all “do this, go there, now we’re doing this.” One great way to help them feel in control is to offer limited choices. For example:

● “Do you want to play outside before or after lunch?”

● “Would you rather help with dinner or walk the dog today?”

Small decisions help build confidence and reduce power struggles.

4. Build in “Boredom” Time - I know it sounds counterintuitive, but boredom is good for kids. It helps them develop creativity, self-direction, and problem-solving skills. The trick? Let them know it’s okay to be bored, and that it’s their job to figure out what to do with that feeling. You can even create a “boredom buster jar” with activity ideas they can pull from, like:

● Build something out of cardboard

● Invent a game

● Make a nature collage

● Write a comic

● Wash the car

It's likely they may resist at first. Stick with it. It pays off.

5. Check in Emotionally - Summer can bring up big feelings for kids, especially those transitioning between grades, friend groups, or after a tough school year. Take a moment now and then to ask:

● “How are you feeling about summer so far?”

● “Is there anything you’re missing from the school year?”

● “What are you hoping to do this summer?

Transitions are hard for everyone. If your routine is messy, your kids are melting down occasionally, and you're wondering if you’ve already “wasted” the summer, you’re not alone. Give yourself permission to reset. Any day can be Day One of a new rhythm. No one needs a perfect plan, just a few consistent anchors, a little flexibility, and a lot of grace.