Reevaluating the School Year: A Summer Guide for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs

At Childverse Inc., we know that the school year can be both a lifeline and a challenge for families raising children with mental health needs. As summer break approaches or begins, it presents an invaluable opportunity for parents to reflect, regroup, and re-strategize. With the right tools, this period can set the stage for a more successful academic year ahead.

In this guide, we address the top three pain points parents face when reevaluating the school year, and we offer practical ways to use the summer months to strengthen your child’s well-being, educational progress, and mental health supports.

Pain Point #1: The Previous Year Was Overwhelming

Many parents share that the school year felt like a relentless cycle of crisis management. Missed assignments, emotional outbursts, disciplinary calls, or withdrawn behaviors leave families feeling worn out and unsure how to improve things.

Summer Solutions:

• Pause and Reflect: Create a simple review of the past year. What worked? What didn’t? Include feedback from teachers and your child’s mental health providers.

• Identify Patterns: Did things get worse during certain subjects, social settings, or times of day? This can inform new accommodations.

• Schedule a Debrief with Your Child: Let them share what they found hard or helpful. This gives them voice and builds self-awareness.

Action Step: Draft a "What We Learned" summary to bring into IEP or 504 Plan meetings in the fall. It helps educators see a fuller picture and build on prior experience.

Pain Point #2: Services Weren’t Enough or Were Disjointed

Whether due to staffing shortages, lack of coordination, or service reductions, many children don’t receive consistent or adequate support. This can cause progress to stall.

Summer Solutions:

• Engage with Telehealth Providers: Continue or begin therapy through platforms like Brightline, Talkspace, or your local provider.

• Connect with Community Supports: Reach out to local libraries, community centers, and churches. Many offer tutoring, emotional wellness workshops, or even mentoring programs staffed by retired professionals.

• Use School Resources: Some districts allow continued access to summer counselors or IEP teams. Ask if any planning meetings can happen before fall.

Tip: Use this time to reevaluate your child’s treatment or support plan. If gaps were present during the year, summer allows you to reconfigure.

Pain Point #3: Fear of Next Year Being the Same or Worse

Without a new strategy, many parents worry that the coming school year will repeat the last one’s struggles.

Summer Solutions:

• Start Now: Early planning gives you time to revise plans and gather support.

• Update Assessments: If your child hasn’t had a recent psychological evaluation, this is a good time. It ensures school teams will have accurate and current data.

• Practice Skills: Use relaxed summer days to build on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and coping strategies at home.

Helpful Home Routines:

• Create a "soft structure" during the week with predictable wake/sleep times.

• Practice daily journaling, mindfulness, or scheduled family walks.

• Use visuals or checklists to foster independence and confidence.

Making the Most of Summer Resources

• Tutors: Hire or barter for tutoring in weak subjects. Retired teachers or college students often offer affordable help.

• Summer Camps: Look for camps that cater to children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Many focus on social-emotional learning.

• Parent Support: Join or start a summer parent support group. Online communities like NAMI offer weekly Zoom sessions.

• Skill Building Activities: Gardening, art, or cooking can foster calm, connection, and competence.

Preparing for Fall

1. Update Documentation: Make sure your child’s diagnoses, assessments, and treatment notes are current.

2. Revisit the IEP or 504 Plan: Prepare a written summary of summer developments. Note any new goals or service needs.

3. Meet with the School Team Early: Many schools will schedule planning meetings in late summer. Don’t wait until September.

4. Create a Communication Plan: Decide how and how often you’ll communicate with teachers, counselors, and administrators.

5. Encourage Your Child: Help them set personal goals for the year and talk through their hopes or fears.

Final Thoughts from Childverse Inc.

Summer isn’t just a break—it’s a bridge. With a proactive approach, you can transform this quieter season into a launchpad for a healthier, more empowered school experience.

At Childverse Inc., we’re here to support your journey with tools, coaching, and compassion. Your child deserves every opportunity to thrive, and with preparation and support, the coming school year can be one of growth, resilience, and success.

Helpful Links

• Summer Parent Coaching Sessions: childverseinc.com/summer-coaching

• Find a Mental Health Professional: https://findtreatment.gov

• NAMI Education Resources: https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults