Summer’s Almost Here: How Parents Can Prepare for a Successful Season of Therapy and Fun
Heyy, BCBA Ruby here!
Can you believe it? Summer is just around the corner! For many of us in the world of therapy, that means adjusting routines, figuring out schedules, and making sure that kiddos are still getting the support they need while also having time for fun and relaxation. But with all the excitement of sunny days, pool parties, and vacations, it’s easy for parents to feel a little overwhelmed by the shift in routine.
If you’re a parent wondering how to prepare for the upcoming summer months—especially when it comes to keeping up with therapy and making sure your child continues to thrive—this blog is for you! I’m here to help guide you through some tips on how to get ready for summer, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: fun and progress!
1. Plan Ahead for Changes in Schedule
With school being out and the weather warming up, routines can easily get thrown off. For children who thrive on consistency, this can sometimes cause a bit of stress. As a parent, it’s important to plan ahead for any changes in routine—whether that’s adjusting therapy schedules, vacations, or simply allowing for a bit more flexibility in your day-to-day.
Take some time to chat with your child’s therapist to discuss any potential schedule changes. Can you continue therapy over the summer? Will sessions be a bit more spaced out? Will there be new goals to focus on? Having a clear plan in place ensures that the summer months are still productive and that the child’s development stays on track, even while they enjoy the season.
2. Keep Therapy Fun and Engaging
Summer isn’t just for relaxation; it’s also a great opportunity to incorporate fun and engaging activities into your child’s therapy. The warmer weather gives you the perfect chance to get creative with outdoor activities that will keep them excited about their sessions.
For example:
Water play: Sensory play with water toys can support fine motor skills and calming activities.
Outdoor games: Try playing games like catch, obstacle courses, or even sidewalk chalk drawing to work on following instructions and motor skills.
Picnics: Use a picnic to work on social skills like communication and turn-taking in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
These activities will help keep the therapy fresh and exciting while still targeting important goals.
3. Maintain Communication with Your Child’s Therapist
Summer means you might be spending more time away from your child’s therapist. But this doesn’t mean the relationship should be put on pause. Open communication is key to ensuring continued success. Stay in touch with your child’s therapist to share any changes you notice at home, or even to discuss any new challenges that may pop up during the summer months.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask for additional resources that you can use over the summer to keep things going at home. This could include new behavior strategies, social skills training tools, or even activity ideas that align with your child’s goals.
4. Prepare for Social Events and Transitions
Summer often brings a lot of changes, from family vacations to new social situations like barbecues, birthday parties, or community events. These changes can be a lot for kids, especially for those who are working on social skills and adapting to new environments. Preparing for these events in advance can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Work with your child’s therapist to practice social situations in a low-stress environment. Rehearse greeting people, taking turns, or following routines when they’re out of their typical space. This will help set them up for success when it’s time to socialize in larger groups or in unfamiliar places.
5. Set Realistic Goals for the Summer
While summer is a time to relax and recharge, it’s also an opportunity to continue making progress on your child’s therapy goals. Work with your child’s therapist to set realistic, achievable goals for the summer. These goals don’t have to be huge—sometimes it’s just about maintaining progress, building on skills, or working on areas that might need a little extra attention.
Be sure to celebrate the small wins along the way. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or simply maintaining consistency during a time of change, every milestone is worth acknowledging.
6. Embrace Flexibility
Finally, remember that flexibility is key during the summer months. Life is unpredictable, and schedules can change at the drop of a hat. Some days, things may not go according to plan, and that’s okay! Give yourself and your child grace, and try to stay calm if things don’t go perfectly. Focus on enjoying the moments and staying present with your child.
With the right mindset, summer can be the perfect time to keep things fun while still making progress in therapy.
In Conclusion
Summer is an exciting time for families, and with a little bit of preparation, it can be both fun and productive. By planning ahead, staying in communication with your child’s therapist, and keeping things flexible, you’ll set your child up for a summer filled with new opportunities, experiences, and successes.
Remember, it’s all about balance—fun, therapy, and quality time. Embrace the season and know that with a little preparation, you and your child can have the best summer yet!
