How to Have the Best Summer with Kids

As summer approaches, many families begin dreaming of long, lazy days filled with sunshine, popsicles, and well-deserved downtime. And yes—summer should be a time to relax and recharge. But for parents of children with ADHD or learning differences, there’s often a lingering concern: “How do we make sure the break doesn’t set us back?”

You're not alone in wondering how to strike that delicate balance between giving your child the break they need and keeping their minds engaged. The good news? It is possible to have a summer filled with both joy and growth—without turning your home into summer school.

This post will explore strengths-based, actionable strategies to help your child enjoy their summer while staying emotionally and academically connected. When summer is approached with the right balance of flexibility and support, it becomes a season of possibility—one that sets the stage for a confident, smooth return to school in the fall.

Why Summer Balance Matters

Summer can be a magical reset button. It offers space to decompress, explore new interests, and build life skills that may get overlooked during the school year. But it also comes with a real risk: the “summer slide”—a term used to describe the academic regression many students experience over the break.

According to the National Summer Learning Association, students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills during summer if they’re not engaged in learning. For neurodivergent learners, that slide can be even steeper.

But here’s the opportunity: with just a little structure and intentional engagement, your child can maintain (and even strengthen!) their skills—all while still having a fun and refreshing summer.

Flexible Routines: A Win-Win for Fun and Stability

One of the best ways to support your child’s growth over summer is by co-creating a flexible daily routine. Not rigid, not packed—but predictable enough to provide a sense of stability.

Neurodivergent learners often thrive with routines. They help reduce anxiety, manage expectations, and improve emotional regulation.

Here’s what a balanced day might include:

• Morning: Brain-boosting time (reading, writing, puzzles, journaling)

• Afternoon: Free time, creative play, or outdoor adventures

• Evening: Social time or family activities

💡 Tip: Let your child help design the routine. When they have a voice in planning their day, they’re more likely to stick with it. Choose learning activities that feel meaningful—like baking (executive functioning!), starting a book club, or writing stories.

Prioritize Social Connections

School provides built-in social opportunities, and summer can sometimes feel lonely in comparison. Maintaining social interaction isn’t just about fun—it’s also essential for emotional well-being and self-esteem.

Encourage your child to:

• Make weekly plans with friends (virtual or in-person)

• Join local camps, interest-based classes, or sports teams

• Try volunteering (especially great for teens!)

• Invite a friend over for a low-key hangout or movie night

💡 Tip: Help them set small social goals. For example, “I’ll text a friend every Friday” or “I’ll invite someone over once a week.” This empowers your child to take ownership of their social life while avoiding isolation.

Keep Learning Light, Fun, and Meaningful

Let’s be clear—summer isn’t the time for worksheets at the kitchen table unless that’s something your child genuinely enjoys. But it is a perfect time to weave learning into everyday life in a way that feels engaging, not exhausting.

Here’s why it matters: Without any academic stimulation, students—especially those with ADHD or learning differences—can enter the school year feeling behind, unprepared, and anxious. This leads to a rocky transition and can even widen the achievement gap over time.

Try this:

• Reading: Pick books that match your child’s interests. Consider graphic novels, audiobooks, or even a family read-aloud.

• Writing: Encourage them to keep a summer journal, draft a story, or create a blog.

• Math: Practice real-world math by budgeting for outings, measuring in the kitchen, or playing number-based games.

And if independent learning is a challenge, you don’t have to go it alone. At WeThrive Learning, we offer personalized summer support in:

• Reading comprehension

• Written expression

• Math review & frontloading

• Executive functioning skills (note-taking, planning, time management)

We make it fun, we make it individualized, and most importantly—we make it empowering.

Want more info? Schedule a free consultation to hear more about how we can support your child this summer. www.wethrivelearning.com 

Let This Be a Summer of Growth and Joy

When we reframe summer as an opportunity—not a pause—we open the door to so much more than academic maintenance. We create space for our kids to discover their interests, grow their confidence, deepen their friendships, and build the executive functioning skills that make learning stick.

Whether your summer is filled with vacations, local adventures, or slow, cozy days at home—remember: you are your child’s greatest support. And when you partner with them to create a summer of fun and growth, they’ll return to school not only ready to learn—but ready to thrive.

Interested in help planning your child’s summer learning routine? We’re here for you. Reach out to see how We Thrive Learning can support your family with personalized summer coaching.

External Source:

National Summer Learning Association. (n.d.). The Summer Slide: What We Know and Can Do. Retrieved from https://www.summerlearning.org/knowledge-center/summer-slide/