GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Often, a child's mental health can improve over summer vacation, with more time outdoors, seeing friends and an increase in physical activity.
However, that is not always the case.
"One of the big challenges is that routine significantly changes for most families during the summer," said Brittany Barber Garcia, division chief of pediatric behavioral health at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Barber Garcia has a simple tool to help parents keep their children's mental health in check during the summer. It is C.R.A.S.H., also a nod to avoiding the crash that can sometimes come with summer:
- C = Connecting with family and friends.
- R = Relaxing at some point every day.
- A = Activity, making sure to do something physical every day.
- S = Sleep schedule, making sure to keep consistency and a good night's sleep.
- H = Hydration and nutrition, keeping an eye on things all of our bodies need to keep functionally healthy.
"Actually, what we find is sometimes even though we think physical activity will naturally go up, it actually can sometimes decrease as parents are really busy trying to maintain regular schedules and doing everything they need to do to take care of work and the house," said Barber Garcia. "Kids can sometimes have extended screen time that was unintended."
Parades, family gatherings and fireworks are also among things in the summer that can be triggering for some children with anxiety or other sensory processing challenges.
Barber Garcia said to keep an eye on changing behavior in your children. For example, a child who is often outgoing and engaging with family could withdraw more, spending more time alone or in their room.
"There can be things that are more concerning," said Barber Garcia, "Things like spending a lot of time on your phone or texting or Snapchatting messages with people who you don't know. It's important to pay attention to digital safety and health as well."
If you notice a change in your child, first contact their pediatrician who can make a referral to further behavioral services if needed.
Barber Garcia said typically, these changes begin around five or six years old, when children can vocalize emotions.
"But I'll level with you, we're seeing referrals for kids even younger than that in the preschool ages," said Barber Garcia. "For kids who are experiencing behavioral challenges and emotional challenges."
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