☀️ When Summer Feels Heavy: Supporting Kids with ADHD Through the Break

I’ve sat across from so many parents this time of year — shoulders tense, eyes tired, voices soft with guilt.

They say things like:

“I love my kid… but summer is just so hard.”

“They’re bouncing off the walls one minute and melting down the next.”

“I don’t know how to keep up — and I feel like I’m failing.”

If you’ve felt this way too, I want you to hear this first:

You are not alone. And you are not failing.

As a school social worker and Master IEP Coach, I work with families like yours every day. And what I’ve learned is this: summer with an ADHD child can be overwhelming — but it can also be a season of deep growth, connection, and healing. You don’t need perfect plans. You just need a few simple anchors.

🌤️ 1. Start with Soft Structure

ADHD brains crave predictability — not rigidity, but rhythm. A simple morning checklist, a visual schedule, or even a “first-then” card can make transitions smoother.

Think: first breakfast, then outside time.

The goal isn’t strict control. It’s creating enough structure to help your child feel safe in their day.

🧠 2. Remember: It’s Not About Willpower

When your child resists brushing their teeth, forgets simple tasks, or unravels at the word “no,” it’s not defiance — it’s executive dysfunction. Their brain is working twice as hard to do what comes easily to others.

Break it down. Use visuals. Set small goals.

Success builds trust. And trust builds everything.

🏃🏾‍♂️ 3. Movement is Magic

Not every moment has to be Pinterest-worthy. But daily movement — a walk, a splash, a scooter ride — works wonders. It helps regulate their mood, reset attention, and ease anxiety.

If the day’s going off the rails? Move. Together. Even five minutes can change everything.

🌱 4. Use the Season for Life Skills

Summer is a beautiful time to focus on what really matters:

• Learning to tie shoes

• Making a sandwich

• Resolving a sibling argument

• Practicing how to ask for help calmly

These small wins build independence, resilience, and self-esteem — more than any worksheet ever could.

💬 5. Relationship First, Always

When ADHD symptoms flare up — when your child is arguing, impulsive, anxious — they’re not trying to give you a hard time. They’re having a hard time. What they need most is your calm connection, not your perfect reaction.

A soft word. A deep breath. Sitting beside them, even in silence. That’s the real intervention.

💛 Final Thought:

Summer doesn’t have to be a sprint to stay busy or catch up. It can be a time of soft growth — of building trust, skills, and resilience in small, steady ways. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to keep showing up.