Summertime and less structure seem to go hand in hand. There are no school bells, activities tend to be more leisurely, and the slower pace lends itself well to a flexibility that’s hard to come by during the school year. But, all of this can come at a price. For younger children, less structure and less routine can sometimes exacerbate or spur on negative behaviors. If you are at your wits’ end wondering what you can do about this summertime uptick in pushback and (very) big feelings, stick with us!
“We know that children, especially preschool and kindergarten age, really thrive on routine. So naturally, when the school year ends, it’s normal to see an increase in things like tantrums, strong emotions, and more defiance and opposition than usual,” said Justin Fax, practice director for Catholic Charities Behavioral Health. “Our Parent Child Interactive Therapy lends itself well to giving parents and caregivers the tools they need to navigate all of these behaviors, and more, in an easier manner.”
In its simplest terms, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on strengthening the relationship between children and their parents or guardians, while improving child behavior and emotional regulation. Throughout PCIT sessions, therapists provide live coaching to parents and caregivers as they practice skills with their child in real time. Treatment focuses on helping caregivers respond in calm, consistent, and effective ways to emotional dysregulation, refusals or defiance, frustration, and stressful or chaotic moments. Many of these skills are designed to be used consistently in everyday parenting, not just during therapy sessions.
“It is not uncommon for children and caregivers to experience periods of disconnect, especially when behaviors become challenging or stressful – like during summer break when the routine and rhythms of the school year suddenly come to an end,” Fax said. “To help fix the disconnect, PCIT strengthens the parent-child relationship by increasing positive interactions through child-led play and positive attention.”
PCIT strategies you can engage in at home include:
· Dedicated one-on-one child-led play
· Labeled praise, which gives specific, positive feedback
· Imitation during play
· Avoiding criticism or excessive commands during one-on-one playtime
· Minimizing attention to minor attention-seeking behaviors
· Remaining calm during emotional outbursts
· Reinforcing positive behaviors with consistent attention and praise
If emotional or behavioral concerns are significantly interfering with sleep, school success, safety, or overall family functioning, Catholic Charities’ PCIT-certified therapists may be able to help. To connect with our Behavioral Health Services, including PCIT, call 1-877-448-4466 for additional information or support.
