Summer is in full swing for families, which means less structure and routine — and this year it hits even more. It’s been over a year and a half of social isolation, lots of time spent at home with children and siblings 24/7 — and now, hate to say it, we’re not far out from returning to a “normal” in-person school year. Let’s just say, families have been pushed to their limits and can use support now more than ever.
So if you’re worried about how your kid or teen is handling COVID transitions, summer plans, the return to school in the fall, your return back to the office, and everything else that’s going on — you’re certainly not alone.
Even before the pandemic came into play, families everywhere were feeling it. Between struggling with their kid or teen’s tough behavior, worries, and anxiety, or not knowing where to turn or even when to seek help, it can all be overwhelming. According to the CDC, one in five children has a diagnosed behavioral health need, and 80% are not getting the care they need. And COVID only exacerbated the problem.
That’s where Brightline comes in. Brightline brings exceptional behavioral health care to kids, teens, and their families, when and where they need it. With no wait list, video visits with expert therapists and coaches, evidence-based programs, support for parents and caregivers, and free resources to access anytime, anywhere, Brightline’s got your back.
Here are five quick tips and tricks to help get you through the chaos that is summer as a family, from the Brightline team:
- Start getting into regular sleep and wake-up times now. Sticking to consistent routines for wake-up and sleep time can help your family with consistency and stability — even gradually getting back into these routines as the school season approaches may help. Try out a secret handshake with your toddler before they go to sleep or writing down a few things you and your children are grateful for to make it fun.
- Have family meals together and designate roles. Be clear about who sets the table and when and who helps make the meal so it’s a group activity! One team, one goal.
- Make calendars and lists as a family. Setting goals that you all work toward will help keep you all on the same page when things get busy or when it gets hard to keep track of it all (like during the back-to-school season!).
- Use rituals as markers between the work week and weekend or even the school day and evening time. These rituals can be as simple as a snack, playing a song, or even changing your clothes. Rituals can help create calmer transitions when lots of other things are out of your control.
- Make sure whatever you do holds meaning to your family specifically! Meaning can be something as simple as sitting down for dinner together as a group. If it means something to you, chances are you’ll look forward to the ritual more and more, and it might even start boosting your mood when you think about it.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. And if you need support, Brightline’s here to help you navigate the tough stuff.
To learn more, visit hellobrightline.com. Or, if you’re ready to get started with care that works for your family, sign up for Brightline with no wait list today here. Now in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
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