Should My Child Take an ADHD Drug Holiday This Summer?

Summer has arrived—longer days, looser routines, and the welcome pause from homework and school pressures. But if your child takes medication for ADHD, you might be wondering: Is summer the right time to take a break from meds?

This concept—often called a “drug holiday” or “structured treatment interruption”—might seem like a natural choice when academics aren't front and center. However, ADHD affects more than just schoolwork, and medication can play a crucial role in helping children thrive in all areas of life, even (and especially) during summer.

Let’s walk through the key considerations to help you make an informed, compassionate choice for your child and your family.

ADHD Doesn't Take a Summer Break

One common misconception is that ADHD meds are mostly about academics. While medication certainly supports learning and focus at school, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom.

During summer, your child is still navigating environments that require emotional regulation, impulse control, sustained attention, and flexible thinking. From summer camps and sports teams to family trips and neighborhood play, these settings often demand just as much—if not more—self-management than the structured school day.

Research consistently shows that children who remain on ADHD medication year-round tend to experience better long-term outcomes. This includes improvements in emotional stability and social success. Even without academic demands, these medications can support your child in developing the very skills they need to enjoy their summer and build confidence.

Summer Is Prime Time for Social Growth

Summer can be a golden window for kids to deepen friendships, explore independence, and boost self-esteem. But for children with ADHD—especially those with hyperactive or combined types—being off medication can sometimes make social interactions more difficult.

Think about what happens when a child suddenly becomes more impulsive, struggles to follow social cues, or finds it harder to regulate emotions. Friendships can feel frustrating or fragile. These children may face misunderstandings or exclusion from peers, which can negatively impact their confidence and self-worth.

When your child is on medication that supports emotional regulation and attention, they may feel more in control and better able to engage with others. That sense of connection and acceptance is just as important to their development as reading skills or math fluency.

When Might a Med Holiday Make Sense?

That said, there are valid reasons to consider a structured break from medication.

If you or your provider are reassessing whether your child still needs medication—or if you’re exploring a dosage adjustment—summer might be a safer time to do that. Without the academic demands of the school year, there’s more room to observe how your child functions and feels without their meds.

If you're going this route, it’s important to:

• Set clear goals: What are you hoping to observe? Focus, mood, appetite, social behavior?
• Talk with your child: Let them know this is a team decision. Their self-awareness and feedback matter.
• Keep notes: Track any noticeable changes in behavior, stress levels, sleep, appetite, and relationships.
• Stay flexible: You’re not locked into a decision. You can always restart meds if challenges arise.

Appetite, Growth, and Side Effects

Another reason some families consider a summer med break is concern over side effects—particularly decreased appetite and slow growth.

These worries are understandable. The good news is that research shows appetite suppression tends to stabilize within the first year of treatment, and most children continue to grow on their own trajectory. However, if your child’s appetite has remained low or weight gain has stalled, a short pause in medication may help.

Again, consult your provider and define specific criteria for measuring success. This might include monitoring mealtimes, weight, mood, and activity levels.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

At the end of the day, the decision to continue or pause ADHD medication during the summer is deeply personal. It depends on your child’s needs, your family’s goals, and input from your medical provider.

Here are a few guiding questions you can ask yourself:

• Does my child feel more confident, connected, and calm while on medication?
• Are there challenges we’re hoping to reduce or better understand by pausing meds?
• Are we prepared to support our child if challenges arise during the break?
• Have we created a plan with our provider and included our child in the conversation?

Let Summer Work For You

The goal of summer isn’t to create a pressure cooker of performance—it’s to allow space for rest, growth, and joy. Whether or not your child stays on ADHD medication, what matters most is helping them feel supported and successful in the ways that matter to them.

So, if your child is thriving socially, building independence, enjoying activities, and feeling good about themselves—on or off medication—you’re doing it right.

Make your decision from a place of care, collaboration, and curiosity, not fear or pressure. And remember: this isn’t a permanent choice. You can always revisit and adjust based on what’s working (and what isn’t).

Wishing you and your child a summer full of sunshine, confidence, and connection—whatever path you choose.