Mid-Summer Reset: Helping Kids Thrive Beyond the Screen

As July winds down, many families feel the summer stretch: routines slip, screen time climbs, and the days blur together. At Fortis Behavioral Health, we see this every year—and we want to help your family make the most of this mid-summer window.

Whether you’re navigating ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or just trying to keep your kids off devices all day, now is the perfect time to create a fresh rhythm for the second half of summer.

Balance Screen Time with Purpose

Too much screen time can disrupt sleep, focus, and emotional regulation. We recommend:

• Building daily screen-free hours
• Requiring two non-screen tasks before screen time (e.g., reading + play)
• Modeling tech-free time as a family

Small changes now can ease the return to school later.

Encourage Active Play (Even in the Heat!)

Movement helps reset the nervous system, especially for children with high energy or attention concerns. Try:

• Water balloon games, slip-n-slides, or sprinkler tag
• Indoor dance parties or family yoga
• Evening flashlight walks or scavenger hunts

Even a few minutes of movement can help improve mood and focus.

Reintroduce Reading Without the Pressure

Daily reading builds school readiness and attention skills—but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Great options include:

• Audiobooks during car rides or quiet time
• Comic books, graphic novels, or joke books
• Reading aloud together, even with older kids
• Local library summer reading challenges

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s engagement and rhythm.

Watch for Subtle Signs of Struggle

Mid-summer can conceal mental health concerns. If your child is showing increased irritability, sadness, or sleep disturbances, it may be time for a clinical evaluation. We offer:

• ADHD and anxiety assessments
• Medication management when appropriate
• In-person therapy for children and teens
• Genetic testing to guide medication choices

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

At Fortis Behavioral Health, we’re committed to helping children and families thrive. Whether you’re worried about back-to-school transitions, emotional ups and downs, or just want guidance, our experienced team is here.

We have moved to a new office!

Due to our growing practice we are now in a new location! Our office is now located at 4904 Fayetteville Rd. Suite A in Lumberton NC!