Planning the ADHD/SPD Summer Routine {Cry Along with Me + Call for Wine Suggestions}

Back in March, I was dropping off the paperwork for my son’s camps at the YMCA and I had an oversize planner full of colorful sticky notes. The attendant at the desk opened her eyes wide and exclaimed what I could only interpret as a joke: “Wow. You’re the most organized parent I’ve ever seen.” I rushed to correct the record: “Oh, no. I’m really not this organized. I just act like one for the summer.”

Before I say anything, I want  you to know that I’m not a Debbie Downer. I hold a very optimistic perspective that Summer is a GREAT time for an ADHD and/or SPD kid to try out and level up new skills and experiences. This is a catch-22 because if the child isn’t ready for an activity or camp this year, there needs to be flexibility for a Plan B. That’s okay. There’s always next year.

That said, summer is a really funky time of the year for me. I hate to say it but I kinda…dread it, and you know what? I’m not alone. I hear it all the time in online chat rooms that function like underground bunkers, where countless parents and guardians exchange virtual hugs, encouraging words and tips in dealing with extremely stressful behaviors of their kids with ADHD, SPD and also ODD. It’s a world most people are unaware of, but summertime can be super hard on children who typically do well with the structure of the school year. Summertime can be hard on any working parent, especially single parents with a full-time job… and a freelance business and a blog. Hint. Hint.

In order to craft a blueprint for a summer routine, here’s what it’s useful to consider:

1. What activities can your child benefit from that are not available during the school year and can help him/her develop new social, emotional, and physical skills?
2. What kinds of activities or camps can help meet your child’s sensory needs? (Are there specific sensory issues to communicate with camp/instructors ahead of time?)
3. Always include your child when scheduling activities or camps and discuss some trade-off to avoid disappointments.
4. What are the activities or appointments that we should keep as is to continue progress, or that we can decelerate during the three summer months?
5. What can you afford to sign up for—financially and in terms of time commitment?
6. Do you need to take vacation time to make transportation to/from camps and appointments possible? If so, do you have enough vacation time available for that?
7. Can you enlist help from a family member to take your child to a couple of appointments?
8. Does your child experience the “Summer Slide”? If so, plan to incorporate small amounts of homework in the week and/or tutor.
9. Is your child developmentally ready for a new or larger group setting? Are there accommodations available if issues arise, like smaller groups?
10. What are the logistics in making nutritionally-dense foods for breakfast and lunch?
11. Parents/Guardians: what are YOU doing to take care of yourself during the summer? (Don’t forget about your own restorative needs, relaxation, me-time, and personal goals during this time of the year.)
12. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!!: Make time for parent-child bonding in the morning and in the evening to foster cooperation and minimize power struggles, as explained by Amy McCready from positiveparentingsolutions.com.

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There are NO right or wrong answers. Frankly, it’s all about what you can or want to do and what are your family’s goals and priorities. I’m simply sharing some of the questions that I’m considering this year—you may have your own considerations—and here’s how I’ve structured my kid’s summer routine and why:

• As a sensory seeker who enjoys activities related to proprioception and vestibular input, I’m hoping that YMCA day camps will be like a mini nature immersion. My kid wants to go to their day camps that include hiking, climbing, swimming, archery, fishing, paddling, and all kinds of nature sensory play, which are so beneficial for sensory processing. I am going to discuss some of my son’s sensory issues with the camp leader so there’s awareness and we can proactively troubleshoot responses.
• I’m a big believer in NOT over scheduling activities and unstructured play, BUT this year I found myself having to schedule three activities during summer that normally take place at school: school-based behavioral therapy, piano lessons and tutoring. I’ll be scaling back the behavioral therapy to once a month instead of once a week—I’m hoping this will be okay. We’re keeping the weekly 25-minute piano lessons because it’s invaluable for his fine motor skills and visual perception. One-hour tutoring will continue weekly as well because without it, the “Summer Slide” has a terrible impact on my kid. We’re also keeping the weekly occupational therapy appointments for the most part but he’ll need to miss a few—however, his therapist is very supportive of his sensory activities outdoors. Aside from the tutoring on a weekend day and a couple of errands, NO ACTIVITIES are pre-planned for the weekend.
• I will need to modify my work schedule to make it all work, but I was able to save vacation time throughout the year, and I’m so grateful that my work environment is supportive and understanding. I’m also grateful that grandma offered to help with a couple of appointments.
• In terms of cooking: my plan is to batch-cook and freeze enough nutrient-dense food favorites that can travel well, like muffins, breakfast burritos and sandwiches and smoothies. Unfortunately, my kid will need to eat breakfast in the car as we’ll travel 15-30 minutes to the day camp drop-off sites, or he can eat it there. I’m not saying it’s ideal but I’d rather have him sleep more (which really affects behavior) rather than wake up earlier just to have breakfast at home. I often think of this quote: “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good”. Lunch will also need to be packed, but this year I’m going to try training him to make his own lunch… somebody hold my hand!
• My plans for taking care of myself during summer include continuing with my diet/exercise goals, swimming on the weekends and nature outings. I will also be freelancing less and probably blogging less. I’d like to relax at the end of the week with a glass of wine so please send me some virtual hugs and your wine suggestions 😉

That’s all, folks! What are your plans for the summer? How are you structuring your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts! As always, please keep comments respectful and kind.