Committee for Children Blog

Safer, Saner Summer

This week's blog entry is by Committee for Children Executive Director Joan Duffell.

The warm days of June bring me back to my summers of parenting four children, each of whom awaited the end of school with excited anticipation. I, on the other hand, cast more of a gimlet eye on the season.

Don’t get me wrong—like the kids, I loved summertime for its freedom from the relentless scheduling of the school year: getting everyone out the door in the mornings with books and homework intact, unending sports and music practices, and long evening meetings. On the other hand, because my children’s school regularly taught the Second Step program in every grade, I was keenly aware of the impact that school friendships and SEL classes had on my children’s social and emotional health. I wanted to maintain the benefits of social-emotional learning through the summer months.

So at the risk of engaging in armchair parenting, let me offer these ideas for SEL in the out-of-school months of summer:

If your child is in a summer program, such as YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, or another youth program, encourage the staff to teach an SEL curriculum as part of their regular program. For just a little structured time each week, SEL lessons and in-the-moment skill rehearsal can make a huge difference in getting these short-term social groups to meld successfully.

Post problem-solving and emotion management posters on your fridge or other central spot. When your child is having trouble regulating emotions, or is experiencing a conflict with you, a sibling, or a friend, practice these steps right along with your child.

Don’t be afraid to model for your child that you, too, need to practice skills steps to regulate your emotions. Count backward from ten when you’re feeling upset, show that you practice “belly breathing,” and so forth. This shows your child that emotion regulation isn’t just child’s play—these are life skills that everyone needs to practice to get along in everyday situations.

Practicing and modeling social-emotional skills through the summer can make life safer and saner all summer long, while giving your child a great jump-start on a successful school year this fall. Happy summer!