9 Things your child needs you to know this summer!

The importance of understanding children's needs during summer

Picture this: it's a beautiful summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and your children are running around the backyard, giggling and playing. As a parent, you want to make sure your child's summer is filled with joy, adventure, and growth. But how can you ensure that your child's needs are being met during this season?

​In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 9 things that children need their parents to know this summer. From creating structure to spending quality time together, we'll cover a range of topics to help you take care of your child's well-being as best as possible. So, grab a refreshing drink, sit back, and let's dive in!

9 things children need their parents to know

Here are the 9 things your child needs you to know this summer!

1. We need structure

While summer can be a nice break and can be a chance to have a little more freedom from structure, some structure is needed. I know for us when we've had no structure over the weekend, it's 1pm and I've realised the kids haven't even brushed their teeth.  Having some kind of routine in place especially in the morning and evenings can be really helpful for children as they know exactly what to expect and what is expected of them. Structure helps children feel secure and reduces stress.
You can create structure by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times and planning daily activities. For example, parents can plan weekly outings to the park, library or museum, and schedule time for reading, playing games, practicing yoga or doing chores. By creating structure, parents help their children feel more secure and reduce stress during the summer months.

2. ​We need playtime

Play is so important. It is a great way for children to de-stress and process everything that is going on. ​Play is essential for children's development as it supports their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Through play, children learn to explore, problem-solve, socialize, and express themselves. Regular playtime also helps children reduce stress and anxiety while boosting their self-esteem.
During summer, there are many creative and engaging play activities that families can enjoy together. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and going to the playgrounds are great for physical development and bonding as a family. Art projects, such as painting, drawing, and crafting, are perfect for stimulating creativity and self-expression. While we love to add play into our yoga practices, we also like to make time for free play. This is time when the children's imaginations really shine. 

3. We need rest and downtime

Summer can be full of fun and active activities but it is important to balance that out with some downtime too. Making time for slowing down and resting is important to help support your families well-being. There are many ways that we can slow down. We can practice calm yoga practices including restorative poses, we can practice mindfulness activities like mindful colouring, we can read stories together or even get cosey for a movie night. It is nice to explore different ways of resting so that we can get the physical, mental and emotional benefits each different practice brings. 

4. We ​need time in nature

Getting outside is so good for us. I know when my kids are bounding of the walls and I am feeling stressed about it, getting everyone outdoors for some time in nature is like magic! Nature gives us what we need in that moment, either space to run around or space to slow down. It could be getting to the nearby parks or going off for a beach day but it always leaves us feeling good after.

5. We ​need social connections

​​Social connections help children with social and emotional development as they provide opportunities for learning important social skills.
During the summer, there are many safe and fun ways for children to connect with friends and family. Having a picnic in the park, going on a bike ride, or playing outdoor games are all great options. Virtual playdates and game nights can also be a fun way to stay connected with friends and family who may not be nearby. Engaging in group activities such as summer camps, yoga classes, or sports teams can also be a great way for children to make new friends and build social connections.

6. We need nutritious food and hydration

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for children's health and well-being. Try incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Not only do they provide important vitamins and minerals, but they also support local farmers and the environment.
Hydration is also important during the hot summer months, so encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Infusing water with fresh fruits and herbs can make it more flavourful - no fancy bottles needed.
It's important to approach nutrition from a non-diet perspective and avoid toxic diet culture. Instead, focus on nourishing your child's body with wholesome foods and encouraging them to listen to their hunger and fullness cues. This way you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food. 

7. We ​need opportunities to learn and grow

Summer can be a fantastic opportunity for children to learn and develop new skills in a fun and relaxed way. From outdoor activities to creative projects, there are plenty of educational and enriching options to choose from. For example, visiting a local museum or taking a nature walk can be both educational and enjoyable. You can learn about interesting topics in a way that is enjoyable and doesn't mirror school work.
Engaging in family yoga practices can be a great way to teach children about self-regulation and mindfulness. This can be great to practice over the summer, especially if they are prone to anxiety when it comes to going back to school. 

8. We need quality time with parents

Family time can be hard to come by, especially with busy schedules. Making time with your children where you can be fully present is so important and can help support their well-being as well as build stronger bonds. There are many ways you can spend quality time together. Think about something that brings you both joy, something that you don't find yourself getting easily distracted from and can enjoy the time together. One thing we love to do is our Family Yoga Game Night. 

With Family Yoga Game Night, you can set aside time each week to connect with your loved ones in a meaningful way. You can find more details here: Family Yoga Game Night.

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9. We need to feel loved and supported

Every child deserves to feel loved and supported. It's important to show love and support to children during summer and beyond, and building strong and positive relationships with them is crucial. To achieve this, try to be relaxed and playful while spending time with your children. These small moments can have a big impact on your relationship with your child. By taking care of yourself and prioritizing your own self-care practices, it will allow you to show up with more patience and calm during the holidays. 

End Note

To summarize, here are the 9 things children need their parents to know: structure, playtime, rest and downtime, time in nature, social connections, nutritious food and water, opportunities to learn and grow, quality time with parents, and feeling loved and supported.

By creating structure, engaging in creative play, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, and prioritizing well-being, you can have a fun and mindful summer with your children.

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