If you’re a parent in Chester County, PA, there’s a good chance you’ve already started thinking about how to keep your kids active, healthy, and—most importantly—balanced this summer. Between summer vacations, sleepovers, screen time overload, and that aimless mid-July boredom, your child’s mental health can take more of a hit than you realize.
We usually associate summer with freedom and fun—and it can be—but too much unstructured time can actually increase anxiety, decrease focus, and create behavioral issues, especially in children between the ages of 5 and 14. That’s where martial arts classes come in.
Whether it's children’s karate classes, tae kwon do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or Muay Thai, martial arts offers structure, socialization, physical activity, and personal growth—all in one setting. And at Dragon Gym, we’ve seen firsthand how kids thrive when they stay engaged and consistent in their training during the summer months.
Why Mental Health Support Matters More in the Summer
Here’s a hard truth that most parents don’t want to hear: summer can sometimes do more harm than good.
Think about it.
No regular wake-up time.
Less academic stimulation.
Hours spent on devices.
Fewer interactions with mentors or coaches.
This combination creates a drop in physical activity, social connection, and sense of accomplishment—all three of which are critical components of a child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
The summer “freedom” can quickly turn into disconnection, anxiety, and regression—especially for kids who struggle with attention, social skills, or emotional regulation.
