How to Keep Routines During Summer Break

Summer break brings excitement, freedom, and often a big shift in daily structure. For children with Autism or ADHD, maintaining consistent routines during the summer can be essential for their emotional regulation and success. At Cocoa Beach Child Psychology, we encourage families to create flexible, predictable routines that help children stay on track while still enjoying the break.

Why Routines Matter for Neurodivergent Children

Children with Autism or ADHD often thrive on structure. When that structure disappears — like during school breaks — it can lead to increased anxiety, difficulty with transitions, and behavioral challenges. Establishing summer routines can provide:

✔️ A sense of stability and predictability ✔️ Improved emotional regulation ✔️ Easier transitions between activities ✔️ Reduced meltdowns and frustration

Tips for Building Summer Routines

1. Keep a Daily Schedule: Use visual schedules or calendars to outline daily activities. Even loosely structured days help provide consistency.

2. Anchor the Day: Keep wake-up, meals, and bedtime consistent. These “anchor points” help children feel secure.

3. Include Downtime and Active Time: Balance quiet play (reading, drawing) with movement (outdoor play, walks, swimming).

4. Prepare for Changes: Use countdowns and verbal reminders for upcoming transitions or events.

5. Create Weekly Themes: Make routines fun with themed days (e.g., Nature Day, Game Day, Water Wednesday).

6. Involve Your Child: Let your child help plan the day. Giving choices builds confidence and cooperation.

Sample Summer Routine

  • 8:00 AM – Wake up & morning routine

  • 9:00 AM – Movement activity (walk, yoga, playground)

  • 10:00 AM – Learning time (reading, puzzles, educational apps)

  • 12:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 PM – Creative time (crafts, building, writing)

  • 2:30 PM – Quiet time (independent play or screen time)

  • 4:00 PM – Outdoor play or errands

  • 6:00 PM – Dinner & evening wind-down

Summer doesn’t have to mean chaos. With a little planning, your family can enjoy a season that’s both relaxing and supportive of your child’s needs. A consistent routine doesn’t need to be rigid — it just needs to work for you.

If your child struggles with routine changes or transitions, we’re here to help with evaluations and strategies.

📞 Call Cocoa Beach Child Psychology at 321-282-1475
🌐 Visit: www.cocoabeachpsychology.com

#SummerRoutines #ADHDSupport #AutismParenting #CocoaBeachPsychology #ChildDevelopment

Will Jimenez