NEDERLAND - As school lets out and backpacks get shoved into closets for a well-earned break, many parents start thinking about sunscreen, camping trips, and late bedtimes. But there’s something else worth packing for summer adventures: your child’s social and emotional toolkit. 

Just like reading or math, social-emotional skills – like managing emotions, showing empathy, and building healthy relationships – can experience a bit of a “summer slide” if they’re not practiced regularly.

Research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that kids who continue developing their social-emotional learning (SEL) skills over time tend to do better academically, have stronger friendships, and feel more confident navigating life’s ups and downs. So, while it may seem like a small effort now, the long-term benefits are significant and worth the investment. 

Think of SEL as the invisible backpack your child carries into every social situation. It helps them handle disappointment when plans change, speak up when something doesn’t feel right, or include someone new on the playground. Over the summer, when kids are away from structured school routines and regular peer interactions, those skills can get a bit rusty. But with a little intention and a lot of fun, parents can keep those muscles flexing. 

Name Those Feelings

Kids thrive when they have words for their emotions. During a hike or a quiet moment on the porch, invite your child to share how they’re feeling. Use a “feelings wheel” or start with the basics like happy, frustrated, bored, or excited. Modeling this as a parent –“I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the packing we have to do” – also helps to normalize emotional honesty. 

Turn Boredom into Opportunity

Unstructured time is golden for creativity and problem-solving. If your child complains of boredom (and they will!), resist the urge to fix it immediately. Ask: “What’s one thing you could do to help yourself feel better right now?” Help them build self-awareness and responsibility. 

Keep Routine Anchors

While summer break should be relaxing, having a few predictable routines (like bedtime stories, family dinners, or weekly adventures) helps kids feel secure. Within those routines, you can weave in check-ins about feelings, gratitude practices, or simple mindfulness moments like deep breathing before bed. 

Play Together

Board games, card games, and cooperative outdoor challenges naturally build SEL skills like patience, cooperation, and handling loss. Bonus: you’ll make great memories too!

Remember, SEL doesn’t require fancy materials or perfect parenting. It just takes a bit of attention, a dash of creativity, and plenty of heart. By sprinkling these moments throughout your summer days, you’re not only preventing that emotional “summer slide” but helping your child thrive in ways far beyond the classroom. So enjoy your summer break, roast marshmallows, chase the fireflies, and build those big, beautiful hearts along the way. And remember, you've got this!

Betsy Epp is the Social Emotional Coordinator at TEENS, Inc. in Nederland, Colorado.