School's Out... Now What? Helping Your Teen Thrive This Summer
As the school year comes to an end, it can be an exciting time for teenagers. All final exams are over, and the grades are in!
Summer break is beginning, and the pressure from the school year is fading; a much more relaxing time is approaching. While summer often brings a sense of relief, it can also be a significant transition for teens and their families.
Understanding the Transition
When I was a teenager, from ages 13 to 18, summer was always an exciting time, not only because I did not have to go to school, but also because it meant more family time and summer activities with my siblings and extended family.
There was also a mix of emotions: excitement about having more free time, anxiety about upcoming changes, sadness about leaving friends or teachers, and uncertainty about what lies ahead.
Establishing a foundation for Structure.
As Summer is a time of relaxation after a full year of pressure with schoolwork and other obligations, having no structure at all can lead to boredom, excessive screen time, and unhealthy sleeping habits. As teenagers, this is a perfect time to help teach your teen the benefits of a balance between freedom and responsibility.
Consider working with your teen to establish:
Consistent sleep and wake times
Time for physical activity
Household responsibilities
Opportunities for social connection
Personal goals or hobbies
Providing the foundation for structure helps teens stay engaged while still enjoying their break.
Encourage Growth and Exploration & Social Time
Assisting/ Helping your teen explore unique opportunities to seek new interests that might not have been able to fit into their school schedule.
Some ideas to encourage your teen to explore:
Volunteer in the community
Learn a new skill
Read for enjoyment
Explore career interests (intern in a place of interest)
Participate in sports, camps, or clubs
Pursue creative hobbies
Making time for communication is important as teens start to seek independence. Small moments often have the biggest impact. Having Family meals together, taking walks, or running errands is a perfect way to find opportunities for meaningful, constructive conversations without feeling pressured. Remembering that these conversations will be much more impactful and remembered by your teens, and will also encourage more communication as they go into adulthood.
As parents, we naturally want to jump in and fix things, but choosing to really listen can often be more helpful and meaningful.
Watch for Signs of Emotional Struggles
It can be difficult for you, as parents, to balance summer activities with your own time, household chores, work, and other children. For teens, the end of the school year can sometimes reveal underlying emotional challenges that you might not be aware of.
Some symptoms to be mindful of:
Persistent sadness
Social withdrawal
Changes in sleep or appetite
Increased irritability
Loss of interest in activities
Excessive worry or anxiety
If you are concerned about the presentation of these symptoms or if they are starting to interfere with daily functions, professional support may be helpful.
Final Thoughts
As the school year comes to an end, summer vacation begins. Opportunities for growth, connections, and stronger parent-child relationships can be enhanced. Planting these foundations and encouraging your teen to grow while teaching structure and life skills, and to navigate this transition successfully can help them make the most of their summer months.
Jane Nikita Villatoro, MA, LAMFT
Jane is compassionate, supportive, and respectful. She has experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families in various settings. Jane is available in Midland Park and telehealth.
