Establishing Healthy Summer Routines

Written by Kiersten Zimmerman, M.S.Ed, Senior Director of Learning & Impact at Noggin

Suddenly Summer

Summer 2023 is upon us! As fun as the season can be, these summer months can also be challenging for young children who thrive on structure and consistency. Daily school routines may end; schedules shift; travel, camp, or vacations may begin – and while exciting, all of this unpredictability can throw off your preschooler’s emotional equilibrium. Fortunately, you can continue to offer your child structure and help them develop healthy habits with consistent routines to keep them feeling happy, secure, and ready to tackle whatever comes next!

Healthy Habits

As children grow, parents hope their kids will learn how to independently manage their physical and mental health, – and to make that a daily habit. Routines are the building blocks of lifelong healthy habits. Knowing what, when, and why something is happening gives children an important sense of security and emotional stability. Specifically, routines within families can help children develop confidence, a sense of responsibility, and a feeling of belonging to a group.

Routines are valuable for parents and caregivers too! Organizing time, prioritizing tasks, and reducing stress allow for more enjoyable family time together. That makes summer an ideal time to establish some new routines and continue existing ones!

The Makings of a Good Routine

What constitutes a good routine? Ask yourself the following questions to determine if a routine meets the principles needed for success:

Does your child understand their role in the routine? Do they know what is expected of them?

Example: Setting the silverware for dinner

Is the routine a habit that can be implemented repeatedly and for the same purpose?

Example: Picking out clothing for the next day before bedtime

Do the steps of the routine always happen in the same order? At the same time every day?

Example: Brushing your teeth before bedtime

Summer Routines

At Noggin, we place a strong focus on establishing healthy habits through building skills associated with resilience, movement, nutrition, and self-care. Here are some fun and easy routines you can try for each area this summer!

Resilience Routine: New Situations

Goal

Manage the stress and anxiety that often comes with going somewhere for the first time, such as camp or the pool.

Steps

Read books (or look at pictures) of the new place
Ask questions or wonder to learn more (“I wonder what activities you’ll do at camp…” “What do you want to build in the sand?”)
Make small choices to feel empowered (clothing to wear, transportation to get there)
Imagine what will happen when you get there!

Movement Routine: Coordination

Goal

Strengthen hand-eye coordination during those long summer days.

Steps

Nutrition Routine: New Foods

Goal

Try some new summertime snacks!

Steps

Decide between 2-3 new foods
Listen and learn about the new food
Watch a family member try it
Take just one bite!
Earn a non-food reward (e.g., a sticker or the chance to decide what new food the family tries next)