Supporting Children Through Summer: Why Listening Matters More Than Ever

The school summer holiday is fast approaching. For many families, this means sunshine, playtime, and a much-needed break from the usual routine. But for some young people, the long weeks ahead can bring something else entirely - anxiety, uncertainty, and big feelings that aren’t always easy to express.

For children who thrive on structure, the loss of daily routines can feel unsettling. Others may worry about drifting friendships over the summer or feel anxious about transitioning into a new school or year group come September. These worries often stay hidden, showing up instead as quiet withdrawal, outbursts, clinginess, or tricky behaviour that can be easy to misinterpret.

The good news? As parents, carers, or trusted adults, we don’t need to have all the solutions. We already hold one of the most powerful tools to support young people through these moments - active listening.

What Is Active Listening?

Active listening means offering our full, present attention, not to fix, interrupt, or dismiss, but simply to understand.

It’s easy to assume we’re already doing this, but true active listening takes a little more intention. It means:

• Putting distractions aside

• Listening without jumping in to “solve” the problem

• Holding space for all feelings - even the uncomfortable ones

• Reflecting back what we hear, so children feel understood

  
  

When young people feel truly heard, their worries often become a little lighter. Sometimes, that’s all they really need, not instant answers or solutions, but the reassurance that their feelings matter and that they’re not alone in navigating them.

Why Summer Can Feel Overwhelming for Some Children

While summer can be exciting, it also removes many of the structures and social connections children rely on for stability:

No regular school routine, time apart from familiar friends or teachers, big upcoming transitions like starting secondary school or moving up a year group. And for children who struggle with change, these factors can cause their worries to build quietly over the summer. Left unspoken, anxiety can turn into sleeplessness, mood changes, or behaviour challenges that affect the whole family.

Creating an Environment of Open Communication

The best time to support children with summer worries is before they escalate. Small, everyday moments of connection can make a big difference. You don’t need formal sit-downs or grand conversations, just simple, consistent opportunities to talk and be heard.

Here are some gentle ways to get started:

✔️ Make space for calm chats: Walking the dog, car rides, or bedtime are often when worries come up naturally.

✔️ Let them know all feelings are welcome: “It’s OK to feel excited and nervous about summer, lots of people do.”

✔️ Listen more than you talk: Sometimes, your quiet presence is the biggest comfort.

✔️ Avoid rushing to “fix” things: Their worries might not need solving today, they just need space to breathe.

The Power of Feeling Heard

When children know they can talk about their worries without judgment, it builds their confidence and emotional resilience. It also means that when those bigger transitions arrive, like starting a new school, they already have a foundation of open, honest communication with you.

Talking about feelings, even the uncomfortable ones, helps normalise emotional expression. It shows children that worry is part of life, but they don’t have to carry it alone.

You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers

As adults, we sometimes feel pressure to “fix” everything for our children. But often, what they need most is for us to slow down, listen fully, and remind them that their feelings are valid.

By tuning in early, offering our ears (and our support), we can help ease those worries before they grow.

Because in the end, you don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to listen.

If you’d like more resources on supporting young people through change and anxiety, feel free to explore my page or get in touch - I'm always here to help.