01/06/2026
June is here, summer holidays are in sight 😎
I love this month but as a Psychologist, and a mum, I'm aware how tricky it can be for primary school children. Routines are changing, end-of-year excitement is building, school tours and sports days are thrown in the mix, and children are full of anticipation, exhaustion, and big emotions. It can be overwhelming!
I find it helpful to keep these things in mind:
🌟 Protect the basics.
Sleep, regular meals, hydration, and downtime become even more important when routines are disrupted. Don't overschedule additional activities, say no to things that your child may not need or have the energy for. Prioritise recovery time if/when your child needs it.
🌟 For neurodivergent children, June can be especially demanding.
Many autistic children, children with ADHD, and other neurodivergent learners rely heavily on predictability and routine. While others may be excited by the changes, they may be working hard to cope with uncertainty, sensory overload, disrupted schedules, and the anxiety that can come with transitions. What looks like challenging behaviour is often a sign that a child has reached their capacity.
🌟 Expect emotional ups and downs.
Children who seem more irritable, emotional, forgetful, or argumentative may simply be overwhelmed by all the changes and stimulation. While adults often focus on the excitement of summer holidays, children are also processing endings like saying goodbye to teachers, classmates, and familiar routines. Take some time to talk about this, help them think about how they would like to say goodbye, how their summer will look and how they can connect with friends during the break.
🌟 Prepare for transitions where possible.
Visual calendars, countdowns, discussing upcoming events in advance, and maintaining familiar routines at home can help children feel more secure during a month that often feels unpredictable.
And if your child seems to be struggling more than their peers right now, remember that June asks a lot of children. Some simply have to work much harder than others to navigate all the change. ❤️
