Five Ways Parents Can Support Their Teenagers During the Summer Months

And just like that another school year is over and summer begins. The summer months bring a refreshing change of pace for teenagers and parents, but they also present challenges. It can be hard knowing how to best support your teen during the summer months to navigate the changes in routine and structure. Below are five tips you can use to support your teenager during the summer.

1. Help Them Set a Schedule with Activities They Enjoy:

Navigating the transition from a structured school routine to unstructured free time can be overwhelming for teenagers. Take the time to sit down with your teen and design a schedule together. Help your teenager create a schedule that balances both structured activities and free time. Encourage them to engage in activities they are passionate about, such as sports, arts, volunteering, or an employment opportunity.

This will not only keep them active but also foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Collaborating with them to design their schedule will give them a sense of ownership and empower them to manage their time effectively. Help them to maintain this schedule throughout the summer months and adjust the schedule as needed.

2. Allow Time for Rest and Relaxation:

Teenagers often face immense pressure during the school year, so it's crucial to ensure they have time to relax and recharge during the summer months. Sleep and rest are essential for teenagers to recover from the challenges of the previous year. Encourage your teenager to take breaks, unwind, and pursue activities that help them destress. This could include reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies. Allow your teenager to have a later wake-up time during the summer, but be sure that they are not sleeping their days away. Balancing activities with restful moments will contribute to their overall well-being and mental health.

3. Stay Involved with Social Activities:

A major challenge that some teenagers face during the summer months is loneliness and isolation. It is difficult to go from seeing friends every day in school to limited social engagement during the summer. It is important that teenagers maintain some form of healthy peer interaction during the summer. Encourage your teenager to participate in community events, clubs, or camps with peers that align with their interests. Assist your teenager in meeting up with friends to continue the relationships formed during the previous year. Staying involved socially is essential in helping your teen to continue developing social skills and experiencing a sense of belonging.

4. Create Opportunities to Reflect the Previous Year:

The summer months provide a natural opportunity for teenagers to reflect on the previous school year. As a parent, you can play an important role in creating a safe and supportive environment for this to happen. Once your teen has had a moment to breathe and settle into their summer routine, encourage open conversations about their experiences, successes, challenges, and any lessons they have learned throughout the previous year.

Actively listen without judgment and validate their feelings. Encourage them to discuss social situations and their mental health. What went well and what was hard? This will help your teenager gain insight into their own growth and build resilience. Additionally, if your teen had a particularly challenging year, consider seeking professional support to help them process and heal from any emotional, social, or academic difficulties they faced.

5. Help Them Prepare for the Year to Come:

While no teenager wants to talk about the coming school year before it’s here, it is essential to help them prepare for the upcoming school year. Start the conversation early so there is time to put supports or plans in place as needed. Are there classes coming up that your teen might need additional support in? Is your teen experiencing challenges that could benefit from having a professional involved? Are there new activities that they are wanting to try? If your teen is entering into a new school, what are some challenges they may face? Ask them how you can best support them in the coming year and take the steps to make it happen. By actively preparing for the year to come, your teenager will feel more confident and equipped to face new challenges.

As parents, it's crucial to provide support and guidance to your teenagers during the summer months. Remember to approach these strategies with open communication, understanding, and respect for your teenager's individuality. By investing time and effort in supporting your teenager during the summer, you can set them up for success in the year to come and strengthen your relationship.

If you think that your teen would benefit from the support of a trained professional, Jenna Gentry is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who provides tele-therapy for adolescents at Flourish Counseling Services. Read more about her practice, the services she provides, her experience, and contact information to schedule a free 15 minute consultation. Help your teen start their journey towards flourishing today!