As we reach the end of another school year we would like to thank families for all the support that they have given their young people over this year. As students put the exam period behind them, the summer holidays can be a wonderful opportunity for young people to relax, recharge, and explore new interests. However, balancing their need for freedom with structure can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you support your young person during the summer break:

Encourage a Healthy Balance of Screen Time

Summer often means more time spent on screens, but it’s important to encourage a balance. Set reasonable limits and encourage your young person to engage in offline activities, like reading, outdoor sports, or creative hobbies, to help them unwind and avoid feeling too isolated.

Promote Physical Activity

Encourage your young person to stay active over the summer, whether through sports, bike riding, walking or even a casual kick or shooting hoops at the park. Physical activity not only supports physical health but also improves mood, reduces stress, and boosts energy levels.

Set Flexible Routines

While it’s important to allow flexibility in the summer, having some structure can help prevent boredom or unproductive days. Encourage your young person to create a daily routine that includes time for relaxation, chores, hobbies, and learning activities.

Foster Social Connections

Young people thrive on social connections, and the summer can be a great time to nurture friendships. Encourage your young person to spend time with friends—whether in person or virtually—and consider arranging meetups, group activities, or community events.

Support Independent Learning

While school is out, summer is a perfect opportunity for your teen to explore subjects or hobbies they may not have time for during the school year. Whether it’s learning a new skill, pursuing a passion project, or reading about a topic of interest, fostering independent learning can help them stay engaged and curious.

Encourage Family Time

Summer holidays provide more opportunities for family bonding. Plan activities that everyone can enjoy, like picnics, road trips, or game nights. Even though young people may often want to be with friends, a strong family connection can provide emotional support and fun.

Set Expectations for Responsibilities

While summer is a break from schoolwork, it’s important for young people to maintain a sense of responsibility. Set expectations for chores, helping out around the house, or contributing to family plans. Having a sense of purpose and accomplishment over the break can help build confidence and self-discipline.

Create Opportunities for Work or Volunteering

If your young person is interested in gaining experience, consider encouraging part-time work or volunteering. These opportunities not only help build skills but also provide valuable life lessons about responsibility, time management, and teamwork.

Be a Good Listener

The summer holidays can bring up all sorts of emotions for young people, from boredom to excitement to uncertainty about the future. Be there to listen and offer advice or encouragement when needed, but also respect their need for personal space and privacy.

Prioritise Mental Health

Finally, keep an eye on your young person’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Encourage open conversations about feelings and stress. Remind them that it’s okay to take time for themselves, and let them know that they have your full support if they need help navigating any challenges.

With a bit of guidance, the summer holidays can be a time for growth, relaxation, and fun for both you and your young person!

Tips, Tricks & Links

Overcoming Procrastination (The Parent’s Website)

To stop procrastinating, we need to kickstart our momentum. To do that, we need to understand what is happening to our brain. Read more here.

Resources for Parents to Help Keep Teens Safe Online (Reach Out)

Social media is an integral part of most teenagers' lives today, shaping how they connect and express themselves. It can be hard to keep up with fast-moving trends and emerging risks, especially if you’re not familiar with the platforms your teen is using. Access the resources here.

Building Coping Mechanisms in Children and Teens (The Parent's Website)

We want our children to be more than simply resilient to today's mental health challenges, says Dr Michael Nagel. They need to learn how to adapt. Read more here.