Making the Most of Summer: A Guide for Parents and Teens
Summer offers a tremendous opportunity for young people to take control of their time and focus on personal growth. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overly ambitious plans or, conversely, a summer spent mostly in leisure activities like hanging out with friends or playing video games. Drawing on my experience as an Academic Life Coach working with hundreds of families, I’ve developed a strategy to help teens make the most of their summer break.
Getting Clear on Summer Goals
The first step in a productive summer is to identify a clear focus. For parents, this means engaging in a discussion with your teen to determine one main objective for the summer. Whether it’s dealing with academic stress, anxiety about the future, or challenges in personal relationships, pinpointing one area allows for more concentrated efforts and often leads to improvements in other areas as well.
Addressing Common Teenage Challenges Over the Summer
Here are some tailored approaches to the most common challenges teens face:
- Academic Stress: If grades are a concern, summer is an ideal time to address this stress without the pressures of the school year. Encourage your teen to engage with educational activities that demonstrate learning can be enjoyable and fulfilling, not just a chore.
- Anxiety About the Future: Use the summer to start demystifying the college application process. Discuss what makes your teen anxious about the future and develop strategies to tackle those fears, perhaps through college visits or career exploration.
- Relationship Frustrations: If personal relationships are a source of stress, especially within the family, dedicate time this summer to strengthening these bonds. Quality time together can address underlying issues and improve communication.
Three Keys to a Fulfilling Summer
These strategies are grounded in positive psychology principles and aim to foster a mindset of growth and engagement:
- Develop a Strong Work Ethic: Encourage your teen to take on a summer job or project that requires manual labor or perseverance. Such experiences are invaluable for building character and work ethic.
- Pursue a Passion: Colleges appreciate students who demonstrate dedication to an interest. Support your teen in deepening their engagement with a hobby or project, whether that’s robotics, writing, or starting a unique club like an interscholastic Quidditch league.
- Volunteer: Volunteering can significantly boost happiness and satisfaction. Help your teen find opportunities to give back, shifting some focus from self-oriented goals to community service, which can provide a broader perspective on life and its purposes.
By focusing on these areas, teens can transform their summer from a time of idleness to a season of growth and self-discovery. If you’re interested in further guidance on supporting your teen’s development, consider joining one of our upcoming coach training sessions.
By John Williams
