By Christine Miles, M.S. Ed creator of the Listening Path
The countdown to summer break is always filled with excitement. Kids can’t wait for that last day of school! But as soon as summer vacation begins, you might notice your child glued to a computer, iPad, or phone, or constantly asking if they can use one. You may even find yourself wondering, “When does school start again?”
But beyond the immediate challenges of managing screen time, there’s something else happening that parents need to know about: summer brain drain.
What Is Summer Brain Drain?
Summer brain drain, also known as the “summer slide,” describes the decline in academic skills that can occur when students take a long break from structured learning. Without the daily routines and learning activities of school, kids can lose ground, especially in reading and math. In fact, research shows that students may lose up to 2–3 months of learning over the summer.
But it’s not just academic knowledge that’s at risk. The lack of structure and increased screen time can also impact important life skills, especially listening.
The Double Whammy: Unstructured Time + Screen Time
While summer offers a much-needed break, the combination of unstructured days and more screen time can be a recipe for trouble. A recent study found that screen time increases by 68% for students over the summer. Current research shows that students ages 5 to 10 average about 4 hours of screen time per day, while those ages 11 to 16 average 7 hours, and that’s not counting time spent on schoolwork.
All this screen time can make it even harder for kids to practice and maintain their listening skills. Instead of having conversations, sharing stories, or listening to others, kids may become more passive, distracted, or disengaged.
Why Listening Matters
Listening is much more than simply being quiet while someone else is talking. It’s an active process of understanding that helps children learn, build relationships, and make sense of the world around them. When children’s listening skills decline, especially over long breaks like summer vacation, the impact can be felt in multiple areas of their lives.
- Academic Success: Good listening is foundational for understanding instructions, following lessons, and participating in classroom discussions. When listening skills decline, children may have trouble keeping up with new material or recalling what they’ve learned, making the transition back to school more difficult.
- Social Development: Listening is key to making and keeping friends. Children who listen well are better able to understand others’ feelings, resolve conflicts, and work cooperatively in groups.
- Emotional Well-Being: When children feel heard and are able to listen to understand other perspectives, they develop stronger self-esteem and empathy. Poor listening can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and social isolation.
Unstructured time and Increased screen time during this period can further reduce opportunities for real conversations and listening, making it harder for kids to re-engage when school resumes.
Consequences of Declining Listening Skills:
- Academic Struggles: Children may find it harder to follow lessons, remember instructions, or participate in class discussions.
- Social Challenges: Difficulty listening can lead to misunderstandings with peers, making it harder to form and maintain friendships.
- Emotional Impact: Kids who struggle to listen may feel disconnected or misunderstood, which can affect their confidence and emotional health.
How to Combat Summer Brain Drain (and Boost Listening!)
The good news? There are simple, fun ways to keep your child’s brain, and their listening skills, active all summer long:
- Embrace Boredom
It’s okay for kids to be bored sometimes! Boredom encourages creativity, problem-solving and self-reflection. Boredom can provide a much-needed break from constant stimulation and overwhelm, allowing the brain to recharge and reduce stress. It can also help improve emotional regulation and self-control by allowing individuals to tolerate uncomfortable feelings and resist impulsive actions. Don’t rush to fill every moment with activities or screens. - Create Dedicated Listening and Story
Sharing Time Set aside time each day for family conversations. Share stories, read aloud, or listen to audiobooks together. Encourage your child to retell stories in their own words or ask questions about what they’ve hear
3. Use Screen Time Wisely
If your child is using a device, make it a prerequisite, to choose educational games, podcasts, or interactive learning apps that promote active listening and thinking, rather than just gaming or mindless scrolling.
4. Share Screen Time
Turn screen time into a shared activity by watching movies or shows together as a family or with friends. Afterwards, have a conversation about the best parts of the movie and what everyone learned. This approach makes screen time social and educational, rather than an isolated activity
5. Keep Learning Fun and Flexible
Explore summer reading challenges, visit the library, play board games, or try simple science experiments at home. Learning doesn’t have to feel like school to be effective!
Remember:
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s also a great opportunity to help your child grow. By encouraging listening, conversation, and curiosity, you can help prevent summer brain drain and set your child up for a successful school year ahead.
Additional information on Christine Miles and The Listening Path® may be obtained at https://thelisteningpath.com