The academic year is over – and for many young people, that’s a huge relief.
But while summer offers a break from homework, tests and rigid schedules, it can also be a time when emotional wellbeing quietly unravels.
That’s why summer isn’t just for rest -it’s also an opportunity to reset, recharge, and rebuild mental resilience.
“Academic stress, social pressure, and major life transitions can leave young people running on empty by the end of term,” says Penny Mountbatten, a mother of three and Co-Founder of Synapse Behavioural Health Coaching. “Summer gives us the chance to pause – but also to prepare.”
At Synapse, we help young people build coping skills that support their emotional health not just in summer, but all year round. Our Summer Behavioural Health Coaching Programme is a structured coaching pathway that supports young people from burnout to balance, helping them step into the new school year with more confidence and clarity.
Here are five simple strategies to support your child’s wellbeing this summer—plus details of how Synapse can help.
A relaxed routine is great—but no routine at all can throw young people off balance. Sleep schedules, screen time, meal times… all benefit from gentle consistency.
“Human beings thrive on routine,” says Penny. “Without it, we flounder. Structure makes it easier to return to term-time rhythms without a crash landing.”
Summer brings a unique window to reconnect emotionally—fewer deadlines, more downtime, and a little more space to talk about what’s going on underneath the surface.
“Use this time to ask questions, listen closely, and tune into how your child is really feeling,” Penny advises. “You don’t have to fix everything – just being present and curious makes a difference.”
Exercise isn’t just good for the body—it’s powerful for the mind. Whether it’s walking the dog, a swim at the local pool, or kicking a ball in the park, physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress.
Even better if it’s outside.
“Being in nature, even briefly, helps young people decompress,” says Penny. “Sit under a tree. Read a book in the sun. Movement and connection matter.”
If your child is heading into a big transition—like starting secondary school, college, or work – summer is the perfect time to build confidence and reduce anxiety about what lies ahead.
“Talk now, before the pressure kicks in,” Penny suggests. “Reflect on last year, set small goals for the next and give your child some agency in what they want to explore or change.”
Every young person needs some alone time—but if your child seems increasingly withdrawn, loses interest in things they used to love, or shows signs of low mood or anxiety, don’t dismiss it.
“It’s common for parents to hope it’ll pass. But recognising the signs early can prevent problems from escalating,” Penny says.
If your child is feeling emotionally overwhelmed, unmotivated, anxious—or simply needs structured, supportive input— the Synapse Behavioural Health Coaching Summer Programme is here to help.
It’s available throughout the summer and delivered entirely online, so young people can get the help they need—wherever they are.
What’s included:
“Synapse Behavioural Health Coaches aren’t therapists—they’re trained, supervised and highly relatable mentors. All have lived experience of the same challenges young people face. They understand what it’s like to feel stuck—and how to help get unstuck.”
Whether your child is a high achiever feeling the pressure or a young person struggling to engage with life at all, our coaching approach meets them where they are—and walks alongside them to where they want to be.
“It’s a quick and easy admission process,” Penny Mountbatten, parent and Synapse Founder said. “We’ll connect you with one of our Care Managers to do an initial assessment and talk with you about what you’re experiencing and what your goals are to determine if our Summer Programme is the right one for you. If it is we will connect you with a relatable Behavioural Health Coach who understands what you are going through, because they’ve been there”.
To learn more about the Synapse Summer Behavioural Health Coaching Programme call us on 0204 592 1268
Let’s make this summer a turning point—not just a timeout.
