Dr. Hana Katan Advises Parents on Maintaining Routine During Summer Vacation

Dr. Hana Katan offers guidance to parents on how to maintain a balanced routine for children and families during the summer break. She notes that many parents feel overwhelmed as children leave their usual schedules, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, irregular meals, and a household atmosphere of unstructured vacation time. According to Dr. Katan, the key is establishing a "routine of vacation" that provides children with clear anchors rather than rigid schedules. She recommends setting approximate fixed times for sleep, meals, screen time, and family activities to give children a dependable framework.

Dr. Katan emphasizes that not every day needs to be meticulously planned, but children benefit from having a structure they can rely on. Additionally, she highlights the importance of nurturing the parental relationship despite the increased time children spend at home. She suggests dedicating even just half an hour in the evening without distractions to connect as partners, reinforcing that parents are also a couple beyond their roles as caregivers. Maintaining household routine, parental presence, and couple connection contributes to a calmer, healthier, and more enjoyable summer for the entire family.