Summer Tips & Activities to Support Your Child’s Development
Summer brings with it longer days, warmer weather, and endless opportunities to play, learn, and explore. For families with little ones, it’s also a wonderful time to nurture developmental milestones through simple activities woven into your everyday routine.
The early years are full of change and growth, and they’re also the best time to offer support when it’s needed most. Whether your child is developing on track or you’re noticing areas of concern, Early Intervention can help guide your journey through these important early years.
Summer Tips for Families with Little Ones
Stay Cool & Hydrated
Babies and toddlers can overheat quickly. Keep your child comfortable with lightweight clothing, shade breaks, and plenty of fluids. If your little one is still on formula or breastmilk, make sure they’re offered it regularly throughout the day.
Protect That Delicate Skin
Sun protection is essential. Use a baby-safe sunscreen (especially for children over 6 months), wide-brimmed hats, and seek shade during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m.–4 p.m. A stroller canopy or a lightweight blanket can also help during outdoor walks.
Stick to Familiar Routines
While summer brings changes in schedules and fun family outings, try to maintain your child’s regular nap and meal routines as much as possible. Consistency helps little ones feel secure and makes it easier for them to manage transitions and changes in environment.
Embrace Sensory Play
Sensory experiences build the foundation for learning. Bubbles, sandbox play, sidewalk chalk, or even a simple bucket of water and kitchen utensils can provide rich developmental opportunities while engaging your child’s senses and imagination.
Easy Summer Activity: Water Painting
Looking for something low-mess and high fun? Try this simple outdoor activity:
What You’ll Need:
A bowl of water
A paintbrush, sponge, or even your child’s hands
A surface like a sidewalk, driveway, or wooden fence
How It Helps:
Water painting is a fun way to support fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early creativity. It introduces cause and effect as your child watches their “artwork” disappear in the sun. Best of all, it requires no clean-up!
Make it Educational:
Talk to your child as they play, name the shapes they paint, count the strokes, or prompt them with silly challenges like “Let’s paint a sun!” or “Can you draw a circle?” These simple interactions support language development and early cognitive skills.
Noticing Developmental Delays? You're Not Alone.
Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes, a delay in speech, movement, or interaction may be more than just a phase. If your baby or toddler was born early, spent time in the NICU, or seems behind on milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, or talking, Early Intervention can help.
We’re here to support your family every step of the way. At Encompass, we believe in empowering parents, celebrating every little milestone, and helping children reach their full potential. Whether you need help understanding a diagnosis, want to explore Early Intervention services, or are simply looking for someone who listens, we’re here for you.
Visit our Early Intervention Resources for helpful tools, FAQs, and guidance
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