Navigating Summer Dysregulation: Tips for Families on the Move

Summer should feel easy… right?

But for many families, it’s the season of meltdowns, bedtime chaos, and constant conflict. Without the structure of school days, kids—especially those with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or neurodivergent wiring—can struggle to regulate their emotions, energy, and behavior.

If this is happening in your house, you're not alone. And more importantly, it’s not your fault.

At Same Stars Wellness, we’ve seen this pattern again and again: summer dysregulation is real—and treatable. Let’s walk through what it looks like, why it happens, and how we can support you.

☀️ What Is Summer Dysregulation?

When the routines and predictability of school are removed, many children experience a kind of nervous system whiplash. While some kids love the freedom of summer, others need structure to feel safe, calm, and connected. This is especially true for children who are neurodivergent or navigating conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing challenges.

🚨 Common Signs of Summer Dysregulation

You might notice your child:

• Has frequent meltdowns—especially around transitions

• Becomes clingy, withdrawn, or emotionally reactive

• Shows increased sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights

• Is sleeping poorly or having more trouble winding down

• Seems overwhelmed or resistant to activities they used to enjoy

• Is fighting more with siblings or refusing to leave the house

These aren’t “bad behaviours”—they’re signs that your child’s nervous system is working overtime and needs support.

💛 Why This Happens

When a child’s sense of predictability is disrupted, their brain has to work harder to feel safe. Add in heat, travel, overstimulation, and irregular sleep—and you have a perfect storm for emotional overload.

In fact, summer can be especially hard for kids who:

• Struggle with executive functioning

• Need sensory regulation tools

• Thrive on routine and stability

• Have anxiety about social or environmental changes

🌿 How Same Stars Can Help

We offer trauma-aware, child-led care that supports both your child and you. Our pediatric team has decades of experience supporting families through transitions—and summer is a big one.

Our most helpful tools for summer support:

• Pediatric Massage Therapy
  Calms the nervous system, improves sleep, and supports body awareness

• Occupational Therapy
  Helps establish summer routines, supports transitions, and teaches co-regulation tools

• Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
  A powerful listening program designed to build resilience and ease sensory overload

• Parent Coaching & Support
  Because your nervous system matters too—our OT team can help you create a plan that works for your family

We believe in creating care plans that support your real life—not some perfect Pinterest version of summer. Whether your child thrives in a bean bag chair or needs mobile care at home, we’ve got you.

🧠 At-Home Tips for Easing Dysregulation

Until your appointment, here are a few strategies you can try at home:

• Create a visual schedule to provide predictability

• Use deep pressure activities like play dough, trampoline time, or weighted blankets

• Build in quiet breaks after high-stimulation activities (yes, even fun ones!)

• Practice co-regulation with breath work, movement, or calming touch

• Avoid over-scheduling—boredom can be healing

📆 Let’s Make This Summer Feel Better

Whether you’re in the thick of it now or want to be proactive, we’re here for you. Our team of pediatric massage therapists, occupational therapists, and sensory specialists will work alongside your family to ease stress, boost connection, and build confidence—for everyone involved.

✨ Book with our team today, or send us a DM with your questions—we’re happy to help.

📚 Further Reading: Mindful STL – Summer Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation

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