For many families, summer break is a time of structured planning, carefully laid out schedules, and intentional opportunities for rest and engagement. However, shorter school breaks—such as spring break or extended weekends—can present unexpected challenges, particularly for neurodivergent students. While these breaks offer a valuable opportunity to reset cognitively and emotionally, they can also disrupt routine, making reintegration into the school environment difficult. Families must navigate a delicate balance of maintaining structure, fostering skill development, and addressing daily life responsibilities—all while ensuring that the break remains a period of rest and not stress.
At Franklin Academy, we understand the importance of structuring breaks in a way that supports both students and families. Here’s how families can rethink short-term breaks to maximize success.
Identify an Executive Functioning Focus
Rather than trying to tackle too many areas at once, it can be helpful to select one executive functioning skill to emphasize during the break. For example:
- Time Management: Encourage students to estimate and track the time needed for daily living tasks, such as getting ready in the morning or traveling to appointments.
- Task Initiation: Support students in reaching out to teachers for college recommendations, scheduling medical appointments, or beginning the application process for summer programs.
- Organization and Planning: Help students map out priorities, from completing academic assignments to preparing for upcoming transitions like selecting a college or finalizing summer plans.
Create a Daily Routine That Mirrors School Structure
While home life does not need to replicate the school schedule exactly, maintaining a structured routine can ease the transition back to school. At Franklin Academy, mornings are predictable, with faculty support for wake-up routines, designated breakfast times, and access to health services. Evenings include structured time for completing work, checking in technology, and maintaining hygiene routines.
Families can implement similar elements at home by:
- Establishing a morning routine that includes consistent wake-up times and self-care activities.
- Encouraging planned work or responsibility periods, such as household chores or independent reading.
- Maintaining a bedtime routine that ensures students get enough rest to regulate their energy levels effectively.
Identify Priorities for the Break
Short breaks can be an excellent time to check off important tasks that might otherwise become overwhelming during the school year. Consider whether the break should be used to:
- Schedule necessary self-care tasks like medical appointments or medication check-ins.
- Make progress on transitional steps, such as finalizing college choices before May 1st or beginning to research potential schools.
- Plan for longer-term goals, such as scheduling a psychoeducational evaluation or preparing for standardized tests.
Foster Reflection and Self-Monitoring
At the end of academic terms, students often receive progress reports or faculty feedback. Breaks can be a valuable time for students to reflect on their progress and set goals for the remainder of the school year. Encourage students to:
- Review recent feedback and discuss it in a supportive and strengths-based manner.
- Identify personal achievements (“wins”) before setting new goals.
- Develop self-monitoring habits by tracking their own successes and areas for improvement.
Making Breaks Work for Your Family
Ultimately, the goal is to decrease the overwhelm that can accompany short breaks by implementing routines and structures that are both manageable and sustainable. Every family has its own unique dynamics, and the key is to create a balance that allows for both rest and continued development. With thoughtful planning, short breaks can be transformed into meaningful, structured pauses that set students up for success as they return to their academic environments.
