Moving into Summer and the preparation of Summer activities such as Camp or Family vacation
Most children get a chance to have a good time and rest during summer. However, in the case of homes with adopted children or traumatic children, it is easy to think this is an impossibility, and a fruitless endeavor to ensure a summers worth of fun and positive experiences. There could be child care questions, holiday questions, summer camp questions, etc., and it can all feel confusing and scary, even to parents!
The Influence of Transitions on Trauma
School gives structure to any child, and this is quite essential. Lack of structure would make children feel anxious and engage in difficult behavior. This would especially have an even greater effect to children who were traumatized.
On the days when this schedule is not present, it should be realized that there would be more meltdowns and arguments that occur during this period. Attempt to maintain much of your school year routine including morning routines, as well as offering stability, in having a mealtime approximately around the same time of the day.
Remember you are allowed to also feel your emotions about this transitional time, as a parent it is normal. In case you find it getting too difficult, make sure you get in touch with your support groups or therapist to discuss what you yourself are going through. It is only when the adults are mentally healthier that our ability to look after our children is enhanced!
Summer Activities for Children with Trauma
Traumatic Children Trauma is a side effect of World War II which even the children who suffered it were not free of. As such, child trauma activities in summer is one of those ways of summertime.
Summer Camp: Various camps are specifically designed and foster kids, adoptive kids and childhood trauma camps. These camps provide a relief to stressful schedules and an opportunity to learn new things and to interact with other kid-like them. You can find such a camp by inquiring with your social worker or adoption provider as to the availability of any youth or family camps in your area. Not such camps in your neighborhood? Consider whether a typical summer day camp will be good for your child. It may not be applicable to all of the traumatized children since each child is different. When you do choose a traditional summer day camp, make sure you are involved in working closely with the summer camp staff and administrators so your child has a great experience.
Family Vacation: In the event you choose to keep the family vacation, it is important to prepare the child as much as you can about the event taking place and the changes they are about to undergo. Ponder in your own way some of the following questions before leaving:
- How much time do we have in the car/in the plane?
- The first thing we will do when we reach the hotel?
- What are the rules for being in the hotel?
- What will we eat?
- What comfort items do you want to bring?
Childcare: Childcare is an added complication of having a working parent who needs to find a way to care about a traumatized child throughout the workday. It is critical to screen carefully those people handling your child with trauma. Even when you are using family, there should be ground rules of parenting styles such that everyone is on the same page and employing the same parenting techniques. Don t skip on said communication with your local social worker or your adoption agency and their advice childcare provision!
Key Takeaways
As with any fun thing in life, a summer camp or even a family vacation, prepare in advance by chatting with your child about this shift in expectations and bring what is comfortable to your child when they are not at home either.
