Summer can feel like a relief after the demands of school — no early starts, no exams, no packed lunches to prep.

But for some children and teens, that sudden freedom isn’t as relaxing as it sounds.
In fact, we often see anxiety increase during the summer holidays.

It’s easy to miss at first. Maybe your child seems more withdrawn or unusually tired.
Maybe they’re restless, but unsure what they actually want to do.

The truth is, some young people feel unsettled without the structure and social rhythm of school — and it can quietly affect their emotional wellbeing.

Let’s explore why this happens, and how you can gently support them.

Why Anxiety Often Increases During Summer

Here are some common themes we hear from parents and young people at Luck’s Yard:

1. Lack of routine = less security
School provides a natural structure: when to eat, where to be, what to do next.
Without that, some children feel unmoored — especially if they’re prone to overthinking or people-pleasing.

2. Social shifts
Friendships can drift over the summer.
For those who find socialising tricky, the unstructured nature of holidays can heighten loneliness, FOMO, or uncertainty about where they fit in.

3. More time online
Extra screen time might seem harmless (or even comforting), but for some kids, it can fuel anxiety — especially around body image, social comparison, or worrying news content.

4. Pressure to be “happy” or “relaxed”
When a child doesn’t feel relaxed in summer, they might start to think something’s wrong with them.
That “I should be happy” pressure often leads to more tension, not less.

Subtle Signs Your Child May Be Anxious

Every child shows stress differently, but here are some signs to look for:

– Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
– More clinginess or irritability
– Complaints of tummy aches or headaches
– Avoiding activities they normally enjoy
– Saying “I just feel weird” or “I don’t know” a lot
– Getting overwhelmed more easily than usual

How You Can Support Them — Gently

You don’t need to have all the answers.
Often, just showing up with calm curiosity and consistency makes a world of difference.

Create soft structure
You don’t need a strict schedule, but try a few daily anchors: a shared breakfast, a short walk, or a regular wind-down routine.
Predictability can help kids feel safer and more settled.

Talk without pressure
Try, “You’ve seemed a bit off lately — is something on your mind?” or “What’s felt a bit tricky recently?”
And if they don’t open up straight away, that’s okay. Keep the door open without pushing.

Encourage gentle movement
Walks, swims, bike rides — especially outdoors — help ease an anxious mind.
Don’t frame it as “exercise” or a fix, just an opportunity to move and breathe.

Avoid overload
Too many activities, outings, or social plans can backfire.
Kids need rest as much as stimulation. Balance busy days with quiet space to decompress.

Know when to ask for help
If anxiety is interfering with sleep, mood, or daily life, counselling can help.
A safe, neutral space gives your child a chance to explore their feelings, build emotional tools, and feel more in control — on their own terms.

Emotional Support, When They Need It Most

At Luck’s Yard Clinic, Kerry Pilbeam offers specialist counselling and psychotherapy for children and young people.
Whether your child is facing school transitions, friendship difficulties, low mood, or general overwhelm, Kerry provides a calm, non-judgemental space where they can talk openly and start to feel more like themselves.

We understand that no two children are the same.
Kerry works gently and intuitively, using age-appropriate approaches to help them build confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness — skills that will support them well beyond the summer holidays.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re worried about your child’s anxiety or just have a gut feeling that something’s not quite right, get in touch.
We’re happy to chat and help you figure out the next step.

Call: 01483 527945
Contact page: Get in touch here
Learn more: About Kerry Pilbeam and our Counselling Services

Because summer should feel safe — not stressful.

References

– NHS (2022). Mental health in children and young people: recognising and supporting anxiety
– British Psychological Society (2021). How lack of structure affects children’s emotional wellbeing
– Harvard Medical School (2020). Screen time and its impact on children’s mental health
– American Academy of Pediatrics (2019). Friendship and peer support: Crucial to adolescent emotional development
– The Sleep Foundation (2021). The relationship between anxiety and sleep in children and teens
– Child Mind Institute (2022). Why kids get anxious in the summer — and how parents can help
– Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) (2021). Counselling for anxiety in young people: what works and why