The importance of routines and self-care for kids during the summer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Summer break is right around the corner.

While it’s an exciting time for many kids, the shift in routine can also be stressful.

Dr. Ariana Hoet, the clinical director of On Our Sleeves, says summer structure and self-care are important to a child's mental health and well-being.

Dr. Hoet says setting a routine during the summer helps children feel safe and helps them build independence. Routines can also decrease power struggles.

To help maintain summer structure, Dr. Hoet recommends having set bedtimes, eating times, wake-up times, and routines. She says don’t throw away the rules. Maintain expectations and keep kids informed of their schedule for the day.

She also emphasized that getting kids involved in summer activities is important, but there should also be a balance between activity and rest time.

We often hear about self-care for adults, but experts say children need to practice self-care as well.

Dr. Hoet recommends ways kids and parents can practice self-care:

• Practice mindfulness to focus your attention on the present moment – can be through meditation, taking a walk or eating mindfully.
  
• Physical fitness can help in improving sleep, boosting mood and maintaining a healthy weight.
  
• Try to have your kids eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time each day – ensuring they are eating and drinking enough throughout the hot summer days.
  

Self-care activities are available on the campaign's website, including the Mental Fitness Challenge.

The Mental Fitness Challenge is a series of 22 suggestions for you and your family to help stay mentally fit and maintain your mental wellness, like planning a family game or movie night, taking a walk and reading a book.

For more information visit, OnOurSleeves.org.