July 15, 2025 — Lawrence Sharrett, M.Ed, M.Div., MSc

A Child’s Dream Summer & The Family System

The lack of structure in the summer can be a challenge for your child, but it can also be an advantage for your family system. Consider this:

    • Ask your child to share ideas and thoughts about what a “dream summer” might look like. Help your child explore.
    • Let your child imagine freely, fully, and with the joy of youth.
    • Together, explore what is reasonably possible, negotiate some compromise, and empower your child to take the lead on some summer ideas that will bring joy.
    • Enjoy the benefits to the whole family system. Then repeat.

Supporting a child’s ideas for what a “dream summer” could look like may strengthen your whole family system.

Working with a number of youth over the years as an educator and a counselor, I have noticed that it is common for children/youth to feel a little lost, lonely, or bored during parts of the summers.

Letting your child/children take the lead on some activities is a way to empower them in ways that help them feel connected, seen, and fulfilled.

Enjoy discovering this truth.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, email me at: sharrettcounseling@gmail.com