Mid-Summer Mental Health Check-In: How Is Your Child (and You) Doing?

Monarch
Jul 21
3 min read

Summer can feel like both a breath of fresh air and a whirlwind—especially for neurodivergent families. The routines shift, sensory environments change, and expectations (hello, social gatherings and unstructured time) pile up fast. We’re now at that midpoint—July, the heart of summer. And it’s the perfect time to pause and gently ask: How are we really doing?

This isn’t about ticking productivity boxes or comparing your summer to some Instagram ideal. It’s about honoring your child’s needs—and your own—as valid, important, and worthy of care.

Here’s a gentle check-in guide, made with neurodivergent families in mind.

1. Energy Levels: Are You Both Running Low?

Summer can be deceptively draining. Unpredictable schedules, heat, and the pressure to “make memories” can leave both you and your child depleted.

Has your child been more fatigued or overstimulated than usual?
Have you had any time to rest—not just sleep, but actual rest?
Is everyone getting enough “quiet time,” or does that need some adjusting?

Tip: Reintroduce a calming routine if things feel chaotic. This could be as simple as a daily 15-minute quiet activity, even if it’s just sitting under a weighted blanket together or listening to nature sounds.

2. Sensory Check: Are the Days Feeling Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Much?

Summer’s sensory input can be a lot. From sticky sunscreen to fireworks and BBQs, your child—and you—may be silently enduring things that feel overwhelming.

Is your child showing signs of sensory overload (meltdowns, shutdowns, avoidance)?
Are you also on edge from too much noise, clutter, or social expectations?

Tip: Reframe summer fun. You don’t need to say yes to every event. Create a “just-right” sensory plan for the rest of the summer. Think quiet parks, dimly lit libraries, or simple backyard moments. Check in with your child about what has felt good so far and what has felt like too much.

3. Emotional Check-In: How Are the Feelings Flowing?

Big feelings often show up when routines shift. Your child might be grieving structure, friends, or their favorite school staff. And if you're masking, managing others’ expectations, or running on low capacity, you may be feeling stretched thin too.

Is your child expressing sadness, boredom, or frustration in unexpected ways?
Have you been emotionally supported lately—or are you running on autopilot?

Tip: Normalize talking about feelings, even the hard ones. Model it. “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed today, and I think I need some quiet time. Want to do that with me?”

4. Support Systems: Do You Need a Boost?

Summer can isolate families, especially if therapies or school supports are paused. You may be the sole anchor, and that gets heavy fast.

Are you in touch with people who truly get your parenting journey?
Is it time to ask for help—from a partner, a friend, a professional?

Tip: Make a list of three people or resources you can lean on this month. You don’t need to do it all alone. Connection is a lifeline. If you’re in Minnesota, where Monarch is based, a great resource in the metro area is See Me Neurodiverse. They offer peer support groups, in person and virtual events, and meet ups for parents, children, and teens.

5. What’s Working?

Let’s not forget to celebrate what is going well. Maybe your child is mastering a new skill, or maybe you’re finally honoring your own sensory needs. Wins don’t have to be big to matter.

What’s brought joy, ease, or laughter this summer?
What moments made you feel proud of your child—or of yourself?

Tip: Write down (or voice note) one positive moment from the week. Keep a running list to revisit when things get hard.

Final Thought: You Are Allowed to Pause

Summer doesn’t have to be about maximizing every second. It can be about tending to what matters. That might mean adjusting expectations, saying no more often, or simply resting more than you “should.” Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, parenting a neurodivergent child, or both, know this: your unique way of moving through the world deserves compassion and care.

So as we head into the second half of summer, check in. Not with guilt, but with curiosity. Not with a to-do list, but with love. You’re doing the best you can—and that is more than enough.

ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders