Summer is the perfect time to get your child into therapy. If your kiddo is struggling, or if your family life feels chaotic, the summer months are ideal for getting back on track. What better time than fall to turn over a new leaf and start the school year off on the right foot?
Using the summer months to get your youngster into therapy is an excellent idea and here’s why:
Therapy Over the Summer Months is Less Overwhelming
During the school year, one thing is certain: overwhelm.
Sensitive kids especially who are easily overstimulated may not be as receptive or responsive to therapy after a full day at school.
Over the summer, your child doesn’t have loads of academic work to maintain. There’s more space in their mind and day to devote to therapy and integrate the skills they learn.
Additionally, your child has more free time. If you know that around 10 a.m. is when they’re the most alert and productive, you can schedule sessions then.
Or if you embark on family therapy, it’s much easier to schedule sessions when the kids aren’t in school or participating in sports.
Therapy Can Provide Much-Needed Structure Over Summer Vacation
Though your kids will probably tell you otherwise, structure is crucial even over the summer, and having regularly scheduled therapy sessions can help establish it.
Without obligations, even if it’s only an hour a day, many children revert to spending their summer behind screens. Appointments that pull them back into the present moment can counteract some of that, and if there is skill-building involved, even better.
There’s Time for Family Bonding After
If you’re in therapy as a family, use the time after your session to do something together. Maybe you can go to the park. Or, if it’s just your child seeing a professional, go out for ice cream after.
This family bonding time is the ideal opportunity to check in with one another, ask and answer questions. It’s the perfect opportunity to discuss practical ways of implementing the skills and suggestions offered by the therapist.
Tips to Help Your Child Be Open to Therapy Over the Summer
If your child jumps for joy when you tell them they are going to therapy over the summer, consider yourself lucky. Most kids are less than enthused.
Here are some ways to make your youngster more receptive to the idea:
- Be Honest
Depending on their age, your child or teen is probably aware of where and how they struggle. Explain how therapy can help them overcome these challenges and feel better. Don’t tell them they are going to a doctor because that can feel scary. Tell them it’s a special appointment where someone listens to you, plays with you and helps you handle (stress, bullying, big emotions).
- Listen
Hear what they have to say, and validate their feelings. That means saying, “I hear that you feel scared, reluctant, frustrated, most kids would, but this is what we have decided and I think you will enjoy it.
- Reassure Them
It’s important that kids understand that therapy in no way means there is something wrong with them. Rather, therapy is more like a way to understand themselves better and learn new ways to manage challenges and stress.
- Explain the Benefits
Framing therapy from the perspective of what they will get out of it, how it can help them and make their life easier in so many ways, can help.
- Involve Them
If possible, involve your child in the process of selecting a therapist. This may lead to them feeling more engaged.
If you’re a Northern California resident, the Relationship Therapy Center has two convenient locations offering individual and family therapy in Roseville and Fair Oaks.
Remember, early intervention is key in preventing bigger problems down the road.
We’d love to hear from you and share more about how we can help set your child up for success.
Begin Play Therapy or Child Counseling in Roseville or Fair Oaks, CA Today!
If your child is struggling one of the best things you can do is be proactive in getting your child help from a trained play therapist. With help and support you child can overcome the things that are troubling them and move forward in their life with more confidence and peace. Our counseling practice offers specialized play therapy and child counseling services by certified play therapists at both of our locations. Your child, and your family, can get to a better place. Our child therapists are here to help.
To begin counseling in Fair Oaks, CA, Roseville, CA or online, follow these steps
- Contact the Relationship Therapy Center and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about in-person or online child therapy.
- Make an appointment for your teen to meet with one of our compassionate child therapists.
- Get the support your teen needs to navigate adolescent challenges with confidence!
Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to child therapy, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Individual therapy services include, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones heal and grow.