A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Student Athletes, Artists, and Musicians During the Summer Lull
For student athletes, musicians, and artists, summer often means stepping out of the rhythm of packed schedules, high expectations, and structured progress. With fewer practices, rehearsals, and performances, this season can feel quieter — sometimes even uncertain.
For parents, it’s natural to wonder: Should I be encouraging more structure? Or is this downtime good for them?
At Phases Virginia, we support families through all the seasons — including this one. Here’s a guide to helping your child navigate the summer pause with intention, confidence, and care.
1. Rest is Part of Growth
Even in high-performing kids and teens, true growth doesn’t just happen during training or performing — it happens in the rest, too.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott
Whether your child is a gymnast, a guitarist, or a visual artist, stepping back from formal routines allows the mind and body to recover, integrate, and reflect.
How to support this as a parent:
Remind them that rest isn't “doing nothing.” It’s preparing for what’s next.
Celebrate small moments of creativity, play, or self-directed exploration.
Model rest yourself — read a book, sit outside, take screen-free breaks.
2. Recognize When It’s Not Just Downtime
Some kids naturally enjoy the slower pace. Others may feel unsteady without their usual structure. While boredom can spark creativity, extended disengagement or low mood may be a sign your child needs more support.
Signs to look for:
Increased irritability, frustration, or sensitivity
Avoidance of activities they usually enjoy
Negative self-talk or loss of confidence
Trouble sleeping or feeling motivated
If these persist, consider it a signal to check in, not fix. Try:
“What’s felt different for you lately?”
“Do you feel like you’re missing your routine, or enjoying the break?”
“What would feel good to add into your day?”
Sometimes talking with a therapist can help your child reconnect with their sense of self outside of achievement — especially during transitional periods.
3. Create Gentle Structure Without Overscheduling
While some kids need more freedom, others benefit from having a light, flexible rhythm to their days. Summer doesn't have to mean “go go go,” but a few consistent touchpoints can bring a sense of calm and purpose.
Ideas for a soft framework:
Set a daily rhythm: wake up, move your body, create, rest, connect.
Use “anchors” rather than a schedule — like 10 a.m. creative hour or afternoon walks.
Try low-pressure goals: journal once a week, explore a new style of art, run a personal-best mile.
The goal isn’t productivity — it’s grounded engagement.
4. Support Social Shifts Gently
The social landscape changes in the summer. For teens especially, the end of a school year or performance season can feel like a sudden pause in connection. Younger kids might miss their team, band, or group friends.
What parents can do:
Normalize changes in friendship rhythms: “It’s okay if you don’t see people as much right now. That happens in summer.”
Support low-stakes ways to stay in touch — game nights, text check-ins, shared playlists, or casual meetups.
Help your child identify which relationships bring energy and which ones feel draining.
These months offer a great opportunity to reflect on values and healthy relationships outside of performance-based groups.
5. Reflect, Don’t Redirect
Your child may be quietly wondering, Who am I when I’m not performing or producing? Rather than jumping to reassure or redirect them into the next thing, try being a calm, steady mirror.
Try saying:
“You’re still just as creative, even on days you’re not making something.”
“I love the way you’re learning to enjoy your time, even when things are slower.”
“You don’t have to prove anything right now. I’m proud of you as you are.”
These words help anchor their self-worth in who they are — not just what they do.
6. Encourage Curiosity and Exploration
Summer is an ideal time to explore new interests without the pressure of performance. Whether it’s a different genre of music, a new movement style, or even switching mediums, trying something new can expand identity and build resilience.
Ideas:
Visit local museums, outdoor concerts, or art markets.
Try a sport just for fun — no rankings or scores.
Encourage cross-training: a dancer might explore yoga; a violinist might write poetry.
This is about playful experimentation, not mastery.
7. Expand the Conversation Beyond Achievement
Summer opens the door for deeper, more reflective conversations — often the kind that don’t happen in the rush of the school year.
Ask things like:
“What’s something you’ve discovered about yourself lately?”
“Is there anything you want to try that you’ve never had time for?”
“When you feel proud of yourself, what usually makes that happen?”
These help your child build a sense of self beyond roles and results — something that will support them far beyond this season.
Final Thoughts: Summer Isn’t Just a Pause — It’s a Season of Possibility
Looking for more guidance on parenting through life’s transitions? Explore our related articles designed to support families year-round. Read Dear Parents: It’s Not Selfish to Take Care of Yourself, a gentle reminder that your wellbeing matters too. Or, dive into When to Reach Out for Professional Help as a Parent, which helps you recognize when therapy can support both you and your child. And if your child struggles with intense emotions, Anger in the Family: What It Really Means and How to Help offers practical tools and validation for navigating those big moments. We're here to walk with you — one season at a time.
You don’t have to fill every moment of your child’s summer. In fact, one of the best gifts you can offer is the space to breathe, explore, and just be.
Whether they lean into rest, creativity, or reflection this season, know that growth is still happening — quietly, beautifully, and in ways that will sustain them long after the summer ends.
💬 Need help navigating your child’s summer transition or supporting their emotional wellbeing?
Phases Virginia offers online therapy for students and families across Virginia. We help young people stay connected to their sense of purpose — even in life’s quieter seasons.
📞 Schedule a consultation or follow us on Instagram @phases_onlinetherapy for practical tools and compassionate insights.