Slovak Doctor Highlights Mental Health Struggles Parents Face During Summer Holidays

Summer school holidays, while joyful for children, can place significant mental health strain on parents, according to Martina Mašková, a Slovak physician specializing in mental health. Mašková warns that the summer period is uniquely challenging because parents face increased demands on their time and energy while simultaneously losing the stabilizing structure of daily routine. 'There were moments when I felt I was failing on all fronts,' she said, drawing on her own personal experience as a parent. In an interview, Mašková offered guidance on where parents can ease pressure on themselves during the summer months, how to approach children's screen time in a balanced way, and how to communicate boundaries effectively with children. Her comments reflect broader concerns among mental health professionals about the often-overlooked psychological burden placed on parents during extended school breaks, when childcare responsibilities intensify and professional and personal routines are disrupted.