Helping Families Navigate the Mid-Summer Slump 

Midway through summer break, parents may notice changes in their children’s behavior, such as irritability, withdrawal, trouble sleeping or waning motivation. Without the structure of school routines and daily peer interaction, these shifts can leave families feeling overwhelmed. 

Ann Kuge, a licensed master social worker and student resource coordinator at Insight School of Oklahoma (ISOK), explains that the absence of consistent schedules and social connection can weigh heavily on children.  

“Summer is a time for rest and play, but it can also create challenges for emotional well-being,” she said. 

To help bridge the gap, ISOK is offering several social-emotional resources, which are free and open to the public this summer: 

• Virtual Calming Room – Designed by Ann, this online space offers a variety of tools to support well-being. Visitors can explore guided meditations, mindfulness and yoga lessons, creative coloring and drawing prompts and even a playful collection of live “animal cams” from around the globe. 

• “Ask a Therapist Live” Webinars – These monthly interactive sessions, hosted through ParentGuidance.org, give parents the opportunity to anonymously ask mental health professionals questions about anxiety, depression, child development and more. Recordings are also available for those who cannot attend live. 

• Mindfulness Tips for Families – Ann regularly teaches breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques and positive affirmations to help students manage stress and nurture emotional resilience. 

“By adding structure, practicing mindfulness and staying connected, families can turn the mid-summer slump into an opportunity for growth,” she said. 

Families can use these tools to help children stay grounded, connected and supported through the summer months and into the new school year. 

A local radio show recently asked Ann to share her tips for social-emotional well-being. Listen here at 30:00!