As schools close for summer, families across the UK face a period of transition that can bring both joy and challenges. With daily routines disrupted and children losing regular social interaction, mental health professionals are urging parents to take proactive steps to support family well-being during the holiday period.

Psychotherapist Noel McDermott says that while summer offers a welcome break, it can also be a psychologically unsettling time for children. “School is similar to home in psychological terms,” McDermott explains. “What your kids are losing for the summer is their other psychological ‘family’. School relationships fit into the category of tertiary attachments in attachment theory. Understanding this and the role of transition work can help with both the move into summer holidays and the subsequent move back into school.”

According to McDermott, the first step parents should take is helping children maintain connections with school friends during the break. He advises easing the shift from school to home life by organising social time with friends in the early weeks of the holidays. “Let their friends stay over and arrange joint events with other parents,” he suggests. “This can help reduce the psychological impact of the sudden change.”

Involving children in planning their summer can also ease anxiety and boost engagement. McDermott says, “The more we feel we are making choices around life changes, the more we cope better with them. When planning family events, bear in mind key health and well-being issues.”

Consistency remains important over the summer, particularly when it comes to sleep and mealtimes. McDermott warns that disruptions to routine can lead to signs of distress. “Don’t be tempted to mess too much with timings,” he advises. “Appetite and sleep disturbances are early indicators of psychological stress. Maintaining structure supports emotional stability.”

Outdoor activities can also play a vital role in supporting mental health. “Nature is the easiest and quickest way to happiness and strong relationships,” says McDermott. “We have inbuilt responses to natural environments that help reduce stress and promote connection.” He recommends using outdoor spaces as often as possible, including for family meals.

When planning activities, McDermott highlights the importance of balancing high-energy play with quieter moments. He refers to the natural rhythm of stimulation and relaxation, often observed in rough-and-tumble play, as a useful guide for structuring daily routines. “Think about breaking activities down into their bell curves of stimulation and trough,” he says. “This helps children regulate themselves emotionally.”

Finally, McDermott encourages families to embrace periods of calm and togetherness. Simple activities like watching a film together or spending quiet time in the same room can be deeply reassuring. “Kids want time from mum and dad more than anything,” he notes.

McDermott has over 30 years of experience in the health, social care, education, and criminal justice sectors. His company, Mental Health Works, offers tailored mental health services to individuals and organisations, including personalised in situ care.