It’s Almost Summer Break – Are You Team Yay Or Boo?
How many days until summer break? If you’re a kid, teacher or parent, you probably know without checking. While it’s nice to think about days of freedom from alarm clocks and schedules, many parents may also be struggling with worry and dread. Yes, it will be nice to have a less intense schedule, but the lack of structure can be a problem. Unlike small kids, teens can find ways to occupy their time, but given their undeveloped frontal cortex, some of their choices may be questionable. Even though teenagers are largely self-sufficient (or are at least capable of being so) and are much more vocal about what they want to do (or silent in a way that says so very much), they could still use some guidance to have a happy, productive summer.
Help them find a job. A generation ago, most teenagers got a summer job. While this is an option, today it’s not as easy, since many of these jobs have already been filled by adults. Some retailers will hire teens, but might expect them to continue during the school year; this may or may not work for you. Other options are movie theaters, nursing homes, and any business that is seasonal (like mini golf or life guarding). If you have a budding entrepreneur, babysitting, pet sitting and lawn mowing are also options. In addition to filling their time, a job will enable your teen to earn some money and start learning how to manage it. A job can also provide lessons in time management and interpersonal skills.
Sign them up for summer camp. Community colleges may offer arts, STEM or career-oriented camps where they can try out an area of interest without making a long-term commitment. Boy and Girl Scouts offer camps, which they can attend as a camper or a counselor. (This may or not be a paid position; in some cases, you may have to pay for them to attend even as a counselor). Your local 4-H or other clubs may also have interest-specific camps. If you live near a major metropolitan area, local theaters and art studios may offer teen classes or mini-camps.
Send them to summer school. While we often associate the term with remedial classes, there are also programs for eager learners. Some community and even four-year colleges offer programs for high school students to take college level classes for credit that may later be applied to a college degree. These can be a good way to learn about a particular college and experience dorm life for a short time.
Create jobs or other responsibilities. If you haven’t already, put your teen in charge of something that benefits the family, such as prepping and making dinner one or more nights a week, tackling household chores, or watching younger siblings. Take advantage of their knowledge of technology or other talents. Ask them to research vacation options or how to complete a needed repair or project around the house. When handing out responsibilities, give them some measure of control; let them make mistakes and learn how to correct them. This will not only benefit the family as a whole, but will also teach them valuable skills they will need later in life.
Encourage them to volunteer. Look for organizations that your teen has an interest in. Animal shelters, libraries and similar non-profits frequently are struggling to meet their basic needs and welcome additional hands. Museums and zoos usually have volunteer or docent programs ranging from hands-on work with exhibits to behind-the-scenes office work. (Many of these organizations look to their volunteer pool first when hiring, so this can lead to a more permanent job or internship down the road.)
Create challenges as a family. Most of us spend too much time on our phones, don’t exercise or get outside as much as we want to. Have a contest to see who can spend the least time over the course of a week. Log steps or miles to see who can walk the furthest in a week, or set a group goal and work together to achieve it. Create a photo scavenger hunt – make a list of possible sights and see who can find the most. These will not only keep your family busy, but can also spark conversation and group problem solving sessions.
Encourage them to have fun. Summer can be long. We want our teens to do something productive, but we also need to remember that it’s summer VACATION. We also need to have fun. Going out or having friends over to play games, or sitting around a fire pit and consuming large quantities of snacks are also part of being a happy, healthy teen. High school can be stressful. Our teens work hard over the year and deserve some time to relax and recharge. As parents, we can help them find a balance. In June summer may seem long, but from the other side, the time goes too fast.
