For some young people, the summer holidays can be a challenging time of year. It can feel as like the usual routine of studies have been disrupted and you don't see your friends, teachers or workmates as often as you would like to. This can leave children feeling bored, unsupported, upset and sometimes anxious. It’s important to promote ways to stay healthy and look after themselves. There are several ways to help you do this, and we've suggested a few tips below.
Eating Well
It’s important to have a good balanced diet with less of the bad things (like junk food and lots of sugar) and more of the good things (such as veggies, fruit, whole grains and water). This can help with sleep, energy levels and general health and wellbeing.
Sleeping Well
Getting a good night’s sleep helps you feel energised, focused and motivated. Developing a sleeping routine can help children sleep much better. To do this, try to wake up children around the same time each day, get out of bed when you wake up and go to bed around the same time each night.
Be socially active and get involved
Social relationships are important to your child’s general wellbeing. Spending time with their friends is also important for keeping and building existing friendships. Getting involved with volunteer work, hobbies, clubs or committees, or sports can help your child feel connected to the wider community while also meeting new people.
Play
Play is important for staying mentally healthy. Devoting time to just having fun can recharge their batteries, revitalise their social networks and reduce stress and anxiety.
Activities to try over Summer
Find a casual job
Giving children the incentive to earn extra pocket money, gain skills and meet new people. Take some time promoting them to practice making a CV.
Organise and explore
List places that they want to visit and things that they want to do. See if there are any courses online that they can enrol into, to keep them interested through the summer months.
Creative projects
Encourage them to revamp their bedroom or create an art piece. Suggest inviting a friend over to help.
Get active
Get them out on the oval and play ballgames with their mates. Check out the local skate park or go for walks.
Volunteer
Give back to the community and gain some great experience.
Kerry Brown
School Counsellor
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