Why Summer Is the Perfect Time for Kids to Build Confidence Before a New School Year

May 9

Summer often feels like a break for kids, but for many children and t(w)eens, it can also bring quiet worries about what comes next. A new grade, changing friendships, increased academic expectations, or transitioning to a new school can create anxiety long before the first day arrives.

That’s why summer is one of the best times to help children strengthen confidence, emotional coping skills, and social connection in a supportive environment.

Back-to-School Anxiety Starts Earlier Than Most Parents Realize

Many children begin worrying about the upcoming school year weeks or even months before school starts. Parents may notice:

Increased irritability
Withdrawal from peers
Trouble sleeping
Clinginess
Perfectionism
Emotional outbursts
Worries about friendships or fitting in

Transitions can feel especially overwhelming for:

Kids entering middle school
Children starting a new school
Students who struggled socially during the previous year
Kids with anxiety or low self-confidence
Children who tend to internalize stress

Without support, these worries can grow throughout the summer and lead to a difficult start to the school year.

Why Therapy Groups Can Be So Helpful for Kids and T(w)eens

Group settings give children something incredibly important: the realization that they are not alone.

When kids practice social interaction, emotional regulation, and coping skills alongside peers, they often become more comfortable taking healthy risks, expressing themselves, and building confidence.

Therapeutic groups can help children:

Improve social confidence
Strengthen coping skills
Learn anxiety management tools
Practice emotional expression
Build resilience
Increase self-esteem
Develop healthier peer relationships

For t(w)eens especially, peer connection plays a major role in emotional development. Having a safe and encouraging environment before school starts can make transitions feel less intimidating.

Summer Is the Ideal Time to Practice New Skills

During the school year, children are often overwhelmed with academics, extracurricular activities, and social pressures. Summer offers a slower pace where kids can learn and practice emotional skills without the stress of daily school demands.

Confidence-building groups during the summer can help children:

Enter the new school year feeling more prepared
Develop friendships before school begins
Reduce anticipatory anxiety
Build emotional flexibility
Strengthen communication skills

The earlier children build these tools, the more likely they are to carry them into the classroom, friendships, and everyday life.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Space for Growth

Children learn best when they feel emotionally safe. Small therapeutic groups can provide individualized attention while still allowing kids to connect with peers in meaningful ways.

Activities like:

Interactive games
Therapeutic arts and crafts
Yoga therapy
Coping skill activities
Confidence-building exercises

can help children engage naturally while learning emotional and social skills in a way that feels fun and approachable!

Kids & T(w)eens Summer Mini Therapy Camp in Broken Arrow

This summer, Edit Therapy Group, LLC and Restored Interoception, an EMDR Group LLC are hosting a 2-day Kids & T(w)eens Summer Mini Therapy Camp designed to help children strengthen confidence, coping skills, social skills, and anxiety management before heading back to school.

The camp includes:

Interactive games
Yoga therapy
Therapeutic arts and crafts
Breakfast included
A safe and encouraging environment

Camp Details

📍 Handmade BA Conference Room

732 W New Orleans St | Broken Arrow| OK
📅 July 22 & 29

Elementary Group
8:30–10:00 AM
Girls & Boys

Tweens Group (Incoming Grades 6th–9th)
10:15–11:45 AM
Girls Only

Led by:

Christine Wayman, LBP
Racquel Weaver, LPC

If your child could benefit from extra support, confidence-building, or anxiety coping skills before the school year begins, this can be a meaningful opportunity for growth and connection.