Supporting Independence, Curiosity, and Connection Over the Summer

The summer school holidays can present a unique challenge for parents. As we get ready for a few weeks out of the usual routine, we scramble to make plans: visits to extended family, travels abroad, or different childcare options so that we can keep on working. 

The Upside

These opportunities are valuable in many ways: they offer opportunities to learn to trust more adults than the familiar caregivers, to bond more closely with grandparents and cousins, to enjoy large gatherings within our community. This can foster a sense of belonging and make the child feel connected and loved, and we do not need to hold back from planning and organising these experiences! 

The Challenges

When the schedule is busy and irregular, though, the child can feel lost. Unexpectedly, instead of enjoying all the exciting trips and gatherings, the child can be irritable, tired, unwilling to cooperate. There are some things missing in this busy routine: when the schedule is unfamiliar, suddenly the child loses their points of reference, their stability. They struggle to relax, as they are not really sure what will happen next. They are less able to be independent, as they are out of their environment, and cannot act with as much agency as usual. 

The Balance

Being aware of these critical points is very helpful. As we make plans, we can schedule some empty time, so that the children have the opportunity to process the new experiences. While engaging in some quiet, familiar activities of their choosing. We can make an effort to keep some of the routines predictable, to maintain a sense of security within all the changes. 

Create a Private Space

One key element to keep an eye on, is the environment. If we travel, whether on a holiday or to visit family, our control on the environment is probably very limited. Grandparents' houses and hotel rooms might not have the set up that we consider optimal for a child's quiet time, and that is OK. Let’s accept what we cannot change. 

But let’s also be aware, so that we can offer support as we can: out of the layout of the house, is there a room where we could create a “private space” for our child to relax with some quiet toys? If we are in a hotel, let’s get organised and bring origami paper, colouring books, reading books, etc, to enjoy those quiet moments with meaningful activities. 

Include Them in the Daily Routine

What about those days when there is actually not a lot planned, and the time at home ends up feeling too long? What about when the children have engaged in meaningful activities, and now are looking for connection again? The slow summer time is a great opportunity to let the child participate in some house chores. In school, we call it Practical Life, because it mirrors real life at home, and the children love it! 

If you are making breakfast, they can spread butter with a dull knife. If you are hanging the laundry, they can hang the socks, and when you pull it back in, they can pair them up again. If you are cooking, they can set the table. When we adults slow down intentionally, children can easily, and happily, join us. We no longer need to rush through the chores, so that we can go back to entertaining our children. The chores can provide meaningful entertainment, and foster connection. Your child will feel capable and confident, and will proudly announce: “I hang the laundry!”

So, here are the basics: keep some empty time, provide a quiet environment, and enjoy a slow pace when doing chores together. And then, of course, continue to plan amazing adventures, love-filled family time, and enjoy all that our community has to offer! We can do it! And don’t worry, school will start again in a few weeks. 

Ludovica Molinari

Early Childhood Coordinator