6 ways Christian parents can help children with additional needs thrive this summer

For many families, the summer holidays are eagerly anticipated: long days, family adventures and a break from the usual routine. But summer doesn’t feel relaxing for everyone.

I work for a charity called Growing Hope, which champions accessibility and provides free therapy for children and young people with additional needs through partnerships with local churches across the UK.

In my work, I recently heard about a family who planned a trip to a museum during the summer. They hoped for a fun day out together, but for their autistic child, the unfamiliar environment, crowds and changes to routine became overwhelming. By the end of the day there were meltdowns, stress and headaches all round. Afterwards, the family felt discouraged and wondered if leaving the house was simply too difficult.

the good news is that God meets families in real life, not in idealised family moments

For families of children with additional needs, the loss of routine that summer brings can increase anxiety, dysregulation and exhaustion. Activities that seem fun and straightforward for others can feel inaccessible.

And on top of all that, trying to stay connected to God when you’re already juggling so much can feel impossible.

But the good news is that God meets families in real life, not in idealised family moments. He is present in the messy, ordinary, challenging days of summer too.

Here are some practical ways to support your child during the holidays and explore how these moments can become opportunities to connect with God together.

Simple visual schedules can help children understand what to expect each day and reduce uncertainty

1. Keeping routines

One of the biggest challenges of summer is the loss of structure. Unstructured time can increase anxiety, particularly for children who thrive on routines.

As a speech and language therapist, I’m a huge fan of visual support. Simple visual schedules can help children understand what to expect each day and reduce uncertainty. Even if summer brings unpredictability, keeping some things consistent such as mealtimes, bedtimes and other daily rhythms, can make a big difference.

Visuals don’t have to be complicated. You might use photos, symbols, objects or drawings to represent activities. Make sure you put the schedule somewhere the whole family can see and return to throughout the day.

These visuals can also become a simple way to connect with God. As you look through the day ahead, you can pray about each activity that’s coming up. At the end of the day, you might reflect on where God was present and thank him for the good things that happened.

You can also create simple, predictable spiritual rhythms throughout the holidays. A long, traditional quiet time might feel unrealistic, so you could try listening to worship music over breakfast or sharing one thing you’re thankful for before bed.

We often feel pressure to fill the holidays with activities, but rest is a gift from God

2. Planning ahead

Preparation can help reduce anxiety for you and your children.

Before visiting somewhere new, spend some time looking at photos of the place you’re going to and familiarising yourself with what’s to come. If possible, use or write a social story to help your child understand what to expect.

If you’re heading out for the day, consider putting together a sensory “toolbox” that might include ear defenders, fidget toys, favourite items or communication supports your child uses.

As you prepare practical items for your child, why not prepare spiritually too?

While packing, take a moment to ask God to equip you for the day. As you place sensory supports into the bag, pray for peace, strength, patience and joy. You could even choose a Bible verse to carry with you throughout the day such as “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” (Psalm 28:7)

Many children have special interests or passions and rather than seeing these as distractions, we can view them as opportunities

3. Engage the senses

Many children need more movement and sensory input than we realise. Providing regular sensory activities can support regulation and wellbeing.

You might try:

• Water or messy play activities
• Trampolining, jumping or bouncing on a ball
• Swinging
• Heavy-work activities such as carrying, pushing or pulling
• Deep-pressure activities such as blanket wraps

These moments can also become opportunities for prayer.

As you wrap your child tightly in a blanket, you might pray that they would know God’s protection surrounding them and pray a verse over them, such as: “You hem me in behind and before.” (Psalm 139:5)

Prayer doesn’t always need to involve sitting still. Some children find movement helps them engage. You could thank God together while bouncing, walking or swinging.

While it’s easy to focus on creating memorable experiences, what children often carry with them is the feeling of being loved and secure

4. Create quiet spaces

Even enjoyable activities can become overwhelming.

Whether you’re at home or out and about, having access to a quieter space can help prevent sensory overload. This might be a low-light corner, using ear defenders or somewhere calm to retreat to for a few minutes.

It’s also okay to plan for rest. We often feel pressure to fill the holidays with activities, but rest is a gift from God. For many children with additional needs, quiet days at home aren’t a missed opportunity; they’re an important part of helping them feel calm and regulated.

These quiet moments can also become opportunities to remember that God is our refuge and peace. Sometimes simply sitting together in a calm space can be a reminder that God’s presence is with us.

Read more:

Neurodiversity isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a gift to the church

Autism, meltdowns and shutdowns – practical advice for Christian parents

5. Follow their interests

I remember working with a child who had a very narrow range of interests. Engaging him in activities could be challenging, but he absolutely loved colour. Anything bright and vibrant captured his attention in a way little else could. Through his fascination and delight, I was reminded of God’s creativity. Seeing the world through his eyes helped me appreciate the beauty of colour that God has woven into creation.

Many children have special interests or passions and rather than seeing these as distractions, we can view them as opportunities to connect with our children and discover more about God’s character together. Whether your child loves animals, trains, numbers or nature, there are opportunities to wonder together about God’s creativity and design. He delights in how he has uniquely created each child, and their interests can often reveal new ways for us to experience him.

You don’t need a perfect summer to experience God’s presence

6. Give yourself permission to lower expectations

Summer can bring enormous pressure to create magical memories.

Social media can leave us feeling as though everyone else is enjoying picture-perfect family adventures while we’re just trying to make it through the day.

While it’s easy to focus on creating memorable experiences, what children often carry with them is the feeling of being loved and secure. Faith is often nurtured in these ordinary moments through consistent care, shared conversations and the simple rhythms of family life.

A word to churches

Summer programmes can be wonderful opportunities for children and families to connect with the church community, but only if they are accessible.

Small adaptations such as visual timetables, quiet spaces and sensory resources can help those with additional needs feel welcome and included.

At Growing Hope, we offer Accessibility Training and an Accessible Church Award to help churches create environments where every child can belong. You can find out more by heading to our website.

Whether your summer feels joyful, chaotic, exhausting or somewhere in between, God is with you. He meets you in the packed sensory bag, the changed plans, the quiet moments of rest and the everyday acts of love. You don’t need a perfect summer to experience God’s presence.