By Inger Douglas and D’Veal Communications Team
Published on May 15, 2025

 

A Season to Exhale: Why Summer is a Time to Reconnect and Restore

At D’Veal Family and Youth Services, we believe summer is more than just time off from school—it’s a chance to slow down and reset.

For many of us, this season brings back memories of good food on the grill, kids laughing in the yard, music playing at block parties, and stories being passed around under the stars.

It’s a time when we get to come back to what matters most: family, culture, joy, and peace of mind.

Summer has a gentle way of reminding us of something we often forget:

• You don’t always have to be in “go mode” to be doing enough.
• It’s okay to slow down. To take a break. To focus on your peace and your people.
• This season gives us permission to step back from the hustle, check in with ourselves, and reconnect with those we love.

It’s more than time off—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most. A moment to rest, rebuild your energy, and heal—together.

 

Rest, Reconnect, Restore: The Power of Summer Break

Life moves fast—between school, work, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy for mental health to take a back seat.

But summer gives families a chance to slow down and catch their breath. And in that pause, something beautiful can happen: we start to feel whole again.

Summer makes room for the little things that matter most, like:

• Sharing meals outside and catching up with loved ones
• Dancing, walking, or just playing together without a schedule
• Laughing at family reunions or local festivals
• Resting under a tree with no rush to be anywhere

These simple moments may not seem like much—but they help us heal.

Healing doesn’t always come from a therapist’s office.

Sometimes, it starts right at home—in our families, in our communities, and in the traditions that remind us who we are.

 

Traditions That Heal: Finding Wellness in What We’ve Always Known

At D’Veal, we understand that for many families, self-care isn’t about fancy routines or trending apps.

It’s about returning to the everyday traditions that have always helped us feel whole—things passed down from our families, our cultures, and our communities.

Check out these examples of the self-care and what it might look like:

• Cooking soul food with your grandmother while swapping stories and laughter in the kitchen.
• Joining a cultural festival in your neighborhood that fills your heart with pride.
• Singing hymns at church or drumming with your community, finding peace and power in the rhythm.
• Telling family stories, flipping through photo albums, or teaching a younger relative how to make a special dish.

These aren’t just feel-good moments—they help young people feel proud of who they are.

These moments help build a sense of belonging, reminding them where they come from, and show them they’re never alone.

“When we celebrate who we are, we create space for who we’re becoming.” — D’Veal Family and Youth Services’ Therapist

 

Summer Tips for Youth Mental Wellness

Summer is often seen as a fun and relaxing time—and for many kids, it is. But for some, especially those who already struggle with their emotions, it can be hard.

When school ends, so does the daily routine. Without that structure, some young people may start to feel lonely, anxious, or even down.

They might miss their friends, their favorite teacher, or simply having something to do each day.

That’s why it’s important for parents and caregivers to stay tuned in.

Here are a few simple ways to support your child’s emotional well-being this summer:

• Check-in Daily: Ask questions like “What was something that made you smile today?”
• Encourage Movement: Sports, dance, or just running through sprinklers helps release stress.
• Explore Creativity: Let them draw, write poems, or make music.
• Model Digital Boundaries: Help set healthy screen time habits.
• Be Present: Sometimes, just being near a young person speaks louder than words.

And remember—parents and caregivers need care too. These activities can be done together.

 

Healing Happens Together: The Power of Community Support

In many Black and Brown communities, healing doesn’t happen alone—it happens together.

It happens when people come together in circles of support, like family gatherings, church groups, or neighborhood events.

At D’Veal, we work with local churches, schools, and community groups to bring that kind of support to life.

We host things like:

• Cultural wellness events that celebrate identity and joy
• Family therapy sessions that strengthen communication and connection
• Back-to-school programs that prepare children emotionally and mentally for a strong start

These events aren’t just social—they’re powerful.

They remind families that they are seen, supported, and never alone on their healing journey.

 

Creating a Summer of Healing at Home

You don’t need a big vacation to nurture wellness. Try:

• Weekly family talks about feelings and celebrations
• Passing down stories, photos, or family sayings
• Creating a quiet reading or reflection corner
• Celebrating small victories like trying a new food or learning a new word
• Visiting local parks or free community programs

Healing happens when families feel safe, heard, and valued.

 

Final Thoughts: Let Summer Be a Sanctuary

At D’Veal Family and Youth Services, we believe: “Healing is possible with the right support.”

This summer, let’s reclaim our joy, our culture, and our connections. Let this be a season where every family sees themselves not just surviving—but thriving.

 

📞 Let Us Help

Ready to build a summer of healing with your family?

D’Veal Family and Youth Services is here to support you—with resources, counseling, and care that honors your culture, your story, and your strength.

www.dveal.org | Contact Us | (626) 796-3453

 

 

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Every gift you give helps D’Veal:

• Provide therapy for youth in crisis
• Host healing-centered community events
• Train culturally competent mental health professionals
• Offer hope—one family at a time

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Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Together for Mental Wellness.

By Inger Douglas
Published on May 12, 2025

 

It’s a typical Monday morning, and Maya is trying to get her 9-year-old son, Jordan, ready for school. The cereal is soggy, the backpack is half-zipped, and Jordan is frozen at the door—tears welling up in his eyes.

“My stomach hurts,” he whispers, clutching it tightly. But Maya has seen this before. There’s no fever, no symptoms… just fear. Again.

Has your child ever said they were “sick” when you suspected it was something deeper? Do you ever wonder if anxiety is hiding behind those morning meltdowns, sleep struggles, or refusal to go to school?

What if their silence is not defiance—but distress?

And what if your calm, present support is exactly what they need to feel safe enough to share what’s really going on?

It’s good to know . . .

Anxiety in children doesn’t always look like worry. Sometimes it shows up as clinginess, anger, stomachaches, or even silence.

As a parent, seeing your child struggle with something you can’t fix with a bandage or a hug can be heartbreaking.

At D’Veal Family and Youth Services, we believe every parent has the ability to support their anxious child—not by having all the answers, but by creating an environment where safety, empathy, and connection are the norm.

Let’s unpack what anxiety really looks like in kids—often hidden behind tummy aches or outbursts—and show how small moments of compassion can create a home where feelings are welcome, not feared.

 

What Childhood Anxiety Can Look Like

Children, especially younger ones, may not have the words to say, “I’m anxious.” Instead, they express their feelings through behaviors.

Common signs of anxiety in children:

• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Complaints of stomach aches or headaches
• Avoidance of school or social events
• Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
• Angry outbursts over small triggers
• Clinginess or excessive reassurance-seeking

Example:

“My daughter kept saying her stomach hurt every morning before school. I thought it was physical—but it turned out to be anxiety about being away from me”, shared one parent.

Understanding that these behaviors are signals—not defiance—can change the way you respond.

There’s no set time when these “signals” can occur:

Alicia noticed her 7-year-old daughter, Lila, getting more upset each night before bed. First it was the lights being too bright. Then the blankets weren’t “right.”

Then came the tears—night after night. Alicia was exhausted, thinking it was just a phase or a battle over bedtime.

But one night, after gently sitting with her, Lila finally whispered, “What if something bad happens to you while I’m sleeping?”

That’s when Alicia realized: this wasn’t about the lights or the blankets. It was anxiety—showing up as fear, clinginess, and sleepless nights.

Knowing how to recognize these signals is where you and D’Veal team up to work together.

 

Responding to Anxiety With Support, Not Shame

Children need to feel safe to be vulnerable. That safety starts with how you, as their caregiver, respond when anxiety shows up.

1. Validate Their Feelings

Avoid saying, “You’re overreacting,” or “It’s no big deal.” Instead, try:

• “That sounds scary. I’m really glad you told me.”
• “I can see this is hard for you.”

Validation doesn’t mean you agree with their fears—it means you acknowledge their experience.

2. Stay Calm and Grounded

Your calm helps regulate their anxiety. If you respond with panic or frustration, it can escalate their distress. Practice your own coping strategies so you can model emotional control.

Try:

• Taking slow breaths together
• Speaking in a softer tone
• Offering physical comfort if welcomed (a hand on the back, a hug)

3. Create Predictability

Routine helps children feel in control. Predictable mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and morning check-ins can lower anxiety levels.

“We started doing a worry journal every night before bed,” one parent told us. “It helped my son feel heard and helped me understand his inner world.”

 

What Not to Do

Even with the best intentions, some common parenting responses can accidentally add pressure:

• Don’t force them into anxiety-inducing situations without support. Gentle exposure is helpful—forced exposure isn’t.
• Don’t tell them to ‘just stop.’ Anxiety isn’t something kids can shut off.
• Don’t minimize their feelings. Phrases like “It’s not that bad” can make a child feel dismissed.

 

How to Talk About Anxiety

Normalize the word “anxiety” in your home. When kids learn it’s okay to talk about mental health, they’re more likely to open up.

Conversation starters:

• “Sometimes I get nervous too. Do you ever feel that way?”
• “What’s something that makes your heart beat fast or your tummy feel funny?”
• “It’s okay to be scared. What can we do to help you feel safe?”

 

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child’s anxiety is affecting their sleep, school performance, friendships, or overall happiness, it may be time to talk to a therapist. Therapy provides a safe space to explore feelings and learn tools for managing anxiety.

At D’Veal, we offer:

• Individual therapy for children and adolescents
• Parent coaching and family therapy
• School-based mental health services

 

You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent

Supporting an anxious child doesn’t mean always saying the right thing or never getting frustrated. It means being present, listening, and showing up—even on the hard days.

You’re doing better than you think. And if you need backup, D’Veal Family and Youth Services is here to walk alongside you.

 

📞 Let Us Help

Is your child experiencing anxiety? D’Veal Family and Youth Services can help. Reach out today to speak with a caring team member and explore our family-centered services.

www.dveal.org | Contact Us | (626) 796-3453

This blog was written by the D’Veal Family and Youth Services Communications Team. For questions, email info@dveal.org.

 

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If you would like to support the work being done by D’Veal Family and Youth Services, consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your contribution helps us continue to provide life-changing support to children, youth, and families across our communities.

Together, we can make healing possible—one family at a time.

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