When the final school bell rings, many families feel joy and nervous anticipation.
While it’s one of the most precious times for kids who don’t have to worry about homework or going to school, for caregivers, summer break can bring both quality time with children and the stress of juggling work, unstructured days, and safety concerns.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of “doing summer right” while maintaining their child’s well-being and managing day-to-day life.
At Maryvale, we understand that summer is more than sunshine and snacks. It’s a season of opportunity—and sometimes uncertainty—for children and caregivers alike. That’s why we’ve compiled five practical ways to help you keep your children safe and supported when school’s out.
Create a Flexible Daily Routine
Children need structure, even in the summer. Long, unstructured periods can lead to boredom, restlessness, or behavioral challenges.
According to HeadStart, schedules and routines are essential, and familiar activities can comfort adults and children during challenging and uncertain times. Creating a summer routine doesn’t mean scheduling every hour or being rigid. It simply means offering predictability, comfort, and balance.
Here are some practical examples that you can implement daily:
- Set consistent times for waking up, having meals, and bedtime.
- Give purpose to every day. Set time for caregivers and kids for fun, learning, chores, or relaxation.
- Provide clear expectations for screen time, outdoor play, and responsibilities.
To set a plan for the day, you can divide the activities into the morning, midday, afternoon, and evening, considering breakfast, chores, outdoor play, quiet time, free play, sensory activities, family dinner, and bedtime.
This doesn’t have to feel like an extra task on your day. It can become an opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Let your child help co-create the routine to build independence and buy-in.
And remember: Flexibility is okay. Some days won’t go as planned, and that’s part of life. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency, which builds emotional security and reduces stress.
HeadStart states that, like adults, children feel more confident and secure when their daily activities are predictable and familiar.
Prioritize Water and Heat Safety
Summer fun often means spending more time outdoors and being exposed to heat and water. Unfortunately, these are two of the most common sources of preventable injuries in children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children aged 1–4 and a top cause for those aged 5–14. Additionally, children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently. Here’s how to reduce risk:
Water Safety
- Always supervise young children near pools, tubs, or even buckets of water.
- Enroll in swimming lessons when possible. Even basic skills save lives.
- Use life jackets, not just floaties, for open water.
- Fence pools and use self-latching gates if you have one at home.
Heat and Sun Protection
- Keep children hydrated: Offer water regularly, not just when they ask.
- Schedule outdoor play for early mornings or evenings when the sun is lower.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 50, and reapply every 2 hours if they are outside.
- Dress kids in lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Many community centers or local organizations offer free swimming programs, water safety classes, or access to shaded playgrounds. Don’t hesitate to explore local resources.
Make a Supervision Plan That Works for Your Family
Not every family has the luxury of staying home during summer break. Whether you’re working full-time or managing multiple caregiving responsibilities, finding reliable supervision is a top concern. But supervision doesn’t have to mean expensive camps. Here are creative ways to build a plan:
- Team up with other caregivers: Create a supervision co-op or take turns with neighbors. You can also use their recommendations about babysitting services.
- Explore community programs: Many organizations and cities offer low-cost or sliding-scale day camps, enrichment activities, or park programs. At Maryvale, we offer Early Education programs where children learn about language, literacy, art, math, and more and enjoy nutritious meals and snacks in a safe, nurturing environment.
- Build a check-in routine: For older kids staying home alone, set scheduled calls, create clear rules, and use location-sharing apps with their consent.
- Use visual reminders: Post safety rules on the fridge, such as emergency contacts, approved activities, and household dos and don’ts.
Most importantly, be honest about your limitations. If you’re feeling stretched, ask for help. Maryvale and other community organizations are here to support families navigating these very challenges.
Connect With Your Kids
For some children, unstructured days can bring anxiety, loneliness, or behavioral struggles. Here are some ways to connect and foster emotional well-being:
- Ask open-ended questions like “What made you feel good today?” or “Was anything hard?”
- Let kids express frustration, boredom, or sadness without judgment.
- Try breathing exercises, journaling, drawing, or quiet sensory play.
- Watch for warning signs: Withdrawal, sleep changes, irritability, or aggression may signal deeper concerns.
Caregivers, you matter too. If you are feeling stressed, reach out to supportive friends, take small breaks when you can, and seek help if you or your child needs it. Maryvale provides compassionate mental health services. You’re never alone.
Set Tech Boundaries and Keep Online Spaces Safe
When school is out, screen time often spikes. While technology can be educational and entertaining, it also opens the door to potential risks, from cyberbullying to unsafe content.
Establish age-appropriate internet-use rules and stay actively involved in your child’s online life. It’s as simple as setting screen limits, keeping devices in shared spaces, and talking early and often about safe browsing, digital kindness, and privacy.
You can always create a safe space to discuss what your kids see or experience online. Setting boundaries creates a sense of safety and clarity.
Your Best Is Enough
Summer can feel overwhelming, especially when routines fall away and the days stretch longer. Many caregivers face the stress of balancing work, family time, safety concerns, and emotional ups and downs without a clear roadmap.
At Maryvale, we recognize that unstructured time can be both a gift and a challenge. That’s why our programs are built to support families through it all. Whether you need affordable early education while you’re at work, mental health resources to help your child cope with transitions, or housing stability for your family, Maryvale is here.
You’re doing your best—and that’s more than enough.
Let us help with the rest. Explore our programs or contact us to learn more.
