What happens in the Summer?

We've all heard someone say that during the summer holidays, children make incredible "leaps", both physically and physiologically, as well as in their cognitive and emotional development. We may even have seen this with our own eyes, but why does it happen?

One of the main factors is exposure to sunlight. There are already studies that prove this "seasonal" variation in children's growth, although the effect is somewhat modest and the mechanism behind this variation is not yet well understood.

Another reason is that we are more attentive to children's development, as we accompany them throughout the day, unlike during the school year, when they spend a significant part of their time at school, out of sight of their families.

Holidays are good for the brain

However, despite the uncertainties, some things are undeniable and have been studied in greater depth in recent years. According to Margot Sunderland, a British child psychologist, the brain develops faster during holidays. This is because the child trains parts of the brain that activate a sense of well-being, a behaviour that is continued.

Neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp, on the other hand, argues that during family holidays it is possible to see an interaction between three emotional systems, which he calls the "Seeking System", the "Care System" and the "Play System". Essentially, these systems are associated with enthusiasm, affection and joy and work like muscles, meaning that the more they are trained, the stronger they become!

The scientist explains that by strengthening these systems, the child will be fostering a more accelerated development of the area of the brain that is responsible for cognitive functioning and social intelligence, and this is so important that it will have an impact on the child throughout their life.

Skills training

There's no need to defend holidays... There's yet to be anyone who isn't a staunch advocate, but the truth is that they have many benefits beyond the most obvious one for families - not having to work! Family holidays strengthen family ties, reinforcing understanding and collaboration between family members. For the child, this translates into more autonomy and confidence to face the world, thanks to all the security acquired with the family.

And what is the best way to transmit this security and ensure healthy development for children during the holidays? First and foremost, by favouring free play, an essential activity for all children, which is all play activities in which the child takes the real lead, creating their own games and making all the decisions: how to play, where to play and who to play with.

For Rita Cordovil, sports scientist and professor at the FMH in Lisbon, "this period offers unique opportunities to meet, discover new environments and challenges and share interests and emotions in fun activities. However, managing holiday time isn't always easy and sometimes you have to make an effort to get out of the house and avoid a sedentary lifestyle."

In an interview with the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation, the scientist explains: "Many families try to combat the increase in screen time as best they can at this time. Keeping children away from the mobile phone, television, tablet and computer can be a tricky challenge, but it's essential that children remain active during the school holidays."

Growth spurts

In general, summer is a hot season and this also has an impact on children's growth. According to a study published in the International Journal of Paediatric Endocrinology in 2013, schoolchildren grow more in the hottest months and this is due to a number of factors.

First of all, they are very exposed to Vitamin D, a growth hormone that is absorbed by the skin when exposed to the sun and is essential for healthy bone growth. Then there's sleep. Without having to follow the dictates of the alarm clock, children usually sleep more in summer. We already know that it's sleep that makes them grow!

Finally, more food and less stress. Normally, children eat better, gain more appetite, and that translates into more centimetres. Additionally, although stress is more associated with adulthood, it is present at all ages and much less so during the holidays, which has a very positive impact on well-being.

The only downside is that, as the end of the holidays approaches, you see school coming up, and suddenly your shoes don't fit, your trousers barely cover your ankles and your sleeves look like they've been shrunk in the machine!