Parenting Strategies for a Calm, Connected Summer

Practical PCIT-Informed Tips to Support Positive Behavior at Home

Summer can bring a welcome break from the hustle of the school year—but for many parents, it also comes with new challenges. Without the structure of school, children may experience boredom, restlessness, or behavioral regressions. Parents may find themselves navigating more meltdowns, power struggles, and sibling conflicts.

Fortunately, summer also provides the perfect opportunity to strengthen the parent-child relationship and set up consistent routines using principles from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is an evidence-based model that focuses on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and teaching effective behavior management strategies.

Here are five PCIT-informed strategies to help make your summer smoother and more enjoyable—for both you and your child.

1. Build Connection Through Special Playtime (Child-Directed Interaction)

One of the foundational elements of PCIT is Child-Directed Interaction (CDI)—a daily, 5–10 minute special playtime where your child leads and you follow with labeled praise, reflections, and enthusiasm.

Why it works: This structured time boosts your child’s self-esteem, reduces attention-seeking behaviors, and strengthens your bond—all of which help reduce overall behavioral challenges.

How to do it:

• Choose a quiet space with no distractions.

• Let your child pick the activity (e.g., building blocks, coloring, pretend play).

• Avoid giving commands, asking questions, or criticizing during this time.

• Focus on using the PRIDE skills:

  • Praise (labeled): “I love how carefully you’re coloring the dinosaur!”

  • Reflect: If your child says, “I made a big tower,” you say, “Yes, you made a big tower!”

  • Imitate: Build or draw alongside them.

  • Describe: “You’re putting the red block on top of the blue one.”

  • Enthusiasm: Use a warm, upbeat tone.

Try setting aside this time each day, especially during transitions or on days with fewer planned activities. Even just 5 minutes can make a big impact.

2. Use Clear, Calm Commands (Parent-Directed Interaction)

When children are out of routine, it’s easy for directions to become unclear or emotionally charged. PCIT emphasizes the importance of using effective commands during Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), the second phase of therapy.

Why it works: Clear, specific commands are more likely to be followed and less likely to cause power struggles.

How to do it:

• Give commands one at a time.

• Use a calm, neutral tone.

• Be specific and direct: “Please put the crayons back in the box,” rather than “Clean up this mess.”

• Give your child 5 seconds to respond before repeating or moving to a consequence.

Bonus tip: Use praise when your child listens the first time—“Thanks for following directions right away!”

3. Establish a Flexible Daily Routine

Children thrive on structure, even during the carefree days of summer. Having predictable activities during the day can reduce anxiety, prevent behavioral issues, and make transitions smoother.

What to include:

• Wake-up and bedtime routines

• Meals and snacks at consistent times

• Screen time limits and expectations

• Outdoor play or physical activity

• Quiet time or reading breaks

• Special playtime (CDI!)

You don’t need a rigid schedule, but even a visual chart with general blocks of time (“morning play,” “lunch,” “screen time,” “outside time”) can give your child a sense of predictability and control.

4. Catch Good Behavior Often

One of the most powerful PCIT tools is labeled praise, and summer offers endless opportunities to use it. Rather than focusing on what your child is doing wrong, shift your attention to what they’re doing right—and say it out loud.

Examples:

• “I love how you’re sharing the sprinkler with your sister!”

• “You’re being so patient while we wait in line.”

• “Thanks for coming inside the first time I asked.”

When kids feel noticed for their positive behaviors, they’re more likely to repeat them—and less likely to act out for attention.

5. Prepare for Transitions with Warnings and Choices

Summer days often involve sudden transitions—from pool to car, screen time to dinner, or park to home. These transitions can be hard for kids, especially when they’re having fun. Avoid meltdowns by using warnings and offering limited choices.

How to do it:

• Give a 5-minute and 2-minute warning before changing activities.

• Offer two acceptable choices: “Do you want to turn off the tablet, or should I do it?”

• Praise compliance: “Great job turning it off when it was time.”

This approach gives children a sense of control while reinforcing your role as the calm leader.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to feel like chaos. By using warm connection, clear limits, and consistent routines, you can reduce behavior challenges and build a stronger relationship with your child. These PCIT-informed strategies help children feel safe, supported, and understood—which is the best foundation for a positive summer.

If you’d like support putting these strategies into practice, consider scheduling a consultation with Child Behavior Management Pittsburgh. We specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, individual therapy, and virtual parent groups to help families thrive.

Contact Us
🌐 www.behaviormanagementpittsburgh.org
📧 admin@behaviormanagementpittsburgh.org

Let this summer be a season of growth—for you and your child.