When school closes, a new emotional phase begins

As a psychologist, I want to tell you something very important: the end of the school year isn't just a holiday for your child. For many children with different abilities, it is a big emotional and structural change.

When the school routine stops, the child may experience a sense of insecurity, because their everyday world suddenly changes.

During this period, we often see:

  • increased anxiety
  • a greater need for the parent
  • difficulty adapting
  • changes in behaviour and mood

1. Why does a change in routine have such an impact?

Children with different abilities have a great need for predictability and structure. School isn't only learning, but also emotional security.

When this structure disappears, the child may feel as though they have "lost their safe ground".

In practice this shows up as:

  • nervousness or mild irritability
  • difficulty sleeping
  • more dependent behaviour towards parents
  • regression in some acquired skills

2. What you should do as a parent during the summer

I want you to understand this clearly: you become your child's main structure during this period. This doesn't mean pressure, but simple, consistent organisation.

I recommend that you:

  • create a simple, repeatable daily routine
  • keep fixed times for sleep and meals
  • divide the day into small (not tiring) activities
  • avoid chaos and sudden changes

3. Regression: don't be frightened when it happens

Many parents worry when their child "goes backwards" in behaviour. I want to reassure you: this is a normal psychological reaction, not a permanent loss of skills.

You may notice:

  • less communication
  • a return to more childlike behaviour
  • increased emotional dependence
  • more frequent emotional outbursts

This happens because the child is trying to regain security in a changed environment.

4. Therapy doesn't stop — it adapts

Even during the summer, the child needs continuity in their development. It shouldn't be heavy or tiring therapy, but light, daily and consistent.

I suggest:

  • play therapy
  • sensory activities (touch, colours, shapes)
  • simple communication exercises
  • games with simple rules
  • physical activities outdoors

5. Socialising: an element that shouldn't be interrupted

Many children with different abilities become isolated during the summer without anyone noticing. But socialising is a very important part of emotional development.

I encourage you to:

  • organise short meet-ups with other children
  • go often to the park or public spaces
  • involve your child in group activities
  • avoid long periods of isolation at home

6. Don't forget yourself as a parent

I want to pause for a moment on you too. Parents of children with different abilities often carry a very heavy emotional load.

It's normal to feel:

  • tired
  • worried
  • sometimes overwhelmed

But taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your child.

Because:

  • a calm parent = an emotionally more secure child
  • your stress is passed on to your child without words

Your child needs security, not perfection

As a psychologist, I want to close with this message:

Your child doesn't need a perfect summer. They need simple structure, consistent love and your emotional presence.

If you manage to keep calm and maintain a routine, then even this period of change will become a phase of stability and development.

👉 "Emotional security is the most powerful therapy you can give your child."

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